Rapper, producer, and executive producer 50 Cent transformed the upcoming premiere of his latest television project into a major New York City celebration, welcoming a star-studded guest list to Jazz at Lincoln Center for a high-profile red carpet debut.
The entertainment mogul hosted the launch event for the upcoming STARZ original series Fightland on Tuesday, July 21, drawing a crowd of network executives, series creators, and notable figures from across the entertainment and sports industries ahead of the show’s official premiere on July 31.
The evening brought together the core cast of the gritty new drama, including Howard Charles, Nicholas Pinnock, Deborah Ayorinde, Anita-Joy Uwajeh, Charles Babalola, Tyler Conti, Tahirah Sharif, and Richard Pepple. They were joined on the red carpet by series co-creator and executive producer Marlon Smith, director Sebastian Thiel, and STARZ executives Jeffrey Hirsch, Alison Hoffman, and Kathryn Busby.
A New Milestone for STARZ
Speaking to the audience before the advance screening, STARZ executive Kathryn Busby highlighted the significance of the project for the network. According to network statements, Busby praised Fightland as a major milestone for STARZ, pointing out that it stands as the network’s first wholly owned original series. She credited 50 Cent with delivering a narrative that brings emotional stakes, a distinct cultural edge, and an entirely new world for viewers to step into.
Taking the stage shortly after, 50 Cent shared his enthusiasm for the project with the assembled crowd. According to event reports, the executive producer told attendees, “I think when you get the chance to see these characters portrayed in this show, you’re gonna become extremely passionate about it. You’re gonna find somebody to love. You’re gonna find somebody to hate. But you have a really good time.”
Set to debut on STARZ on July 31, Fightland expands the creator’s growing television footprint, plunging audiences into a gritty environment where ambition, power, and loyalty collide.
Surprise Concert Inside the Rose Theatre
The evening quickly escalated from a traditional screening into a full-scale concert experience once the credits rolled. Inside the Rose Theatre, 50 Cent surprised the crowd by launching into a live set of his biggest hits. He debuted the official Fightland theme song live and closed out his initial mini-concert with the fan-favorite track “Hate It or Love It.”
The performance expanded even further when surprise guest artists A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Rich the Kid, and Sleepy Hallow joined the headliner on stage, turning the television premiere into an unforgettable live music event.
The star-studded guest list extended well beyond the cast and crew. Notable attendees spotted on the red carpet and inside the venue included Sherri Shepherd, alongside Power stars La La Anthony, Naturi Naughton-Lewis, Erika Woods, Wendell Pierce, and London Brown. Professional athletes and cultural figures also turned out in force, including New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter, Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Ellis, Tristan Mack Wilds, DJ Envy, Uncle Murda, Tony Yayo, and Cleotrapa.
An Afterparty Tribute at PH Live
Following the theater screening and live performances, the celebration migrated to PH Live for the official afterparty. There, 50 Cent paused the festivities to honor his longtime publicist, Amanda Ruisi, founder of AKR Public Relations, with a surprise birthday tribute.
As a birthday cake was brought out to the stage, the crowd joined in singing the entertainer’s iconic birthday anthem from “In Da Club.” The tribute immediately flowed back into live music as 50 Cent returned to the microphone, joined by Uncle Murda, Tony Yayo, and Sleepy Hallow, keeping the celebration running deep into the night.
With its combination of an A-list red carpet, major executive backing, unannounced live performances, and high-energy afterparty celebrations, the event underscored the scale of anticipation surrounding the new series.
Viewers won’t have to wait much longer to see the final product on screen. Fightland officially premieres on STARZ on July 31.
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