As the internet went crazy about “Barbie’s” perceived Oscars nomination snubs for star Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig, EGOT winner and Academy member, Whoopi Goldberg reminded the world that “Not everybody gets a prize.” Perhaps someone needs to send that message to Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, because he had a strong reaction to the 2024 NAACP Image Awards nominations.
The rapper/media mogul was not happy that “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” was shut out of the drama series categories. The executive producer of the “Power” Universe took to social media to slam the snubs and once again go after Starz.
In a since deleted message on X, Jackson wrote, “NAACP didn’t acknowledge ‘RAISING KANAN’ because of STARZ. WTF THE SHOW IS THE BEST ON TV RIGHT NOW!”
He also posted a clip on Instagram that showed part of a phone call discussing Starz’s lack of relationship with the NAACP.
“You just said, fundamentally, we have to now insist that Starz improve their relationship with the NAACP,” the other caller told Jackson.
“We don’t want them to have a relationship with the NAACP, I want to have a relationship with the NAACP,” 50 Cent replied. “I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with them. Like, at this point, you should know that this is the place that you would have to have—how long has ‘Power’ been the No. 1 show in African American and Latino homes?”
The “In da Club” artist then went on to contextualize the franchise’s unparalleled success, saying, “At 98.1 percent! You know what the fuck it would take? This means that I have to be absolutely...at 100 percent, the highest-rated show, for them to acknowledge it.”
Well, he’s not wrong. Starz doesn’t necessarily put “Power” out there the way it does its other shows. However, constantly going at the network isn’t going to help the situation. He’s frustrated and wants to advocate for his show, but these continued attacks on Starz might not be healthy for the franchise.
Right now, the “Power” Universe is among the network’s highest-rated, most-viewed series. The minute that changes, his antics will likely be detrimental to the future of “Book II: Ghost,” “Book III: Raising Kanan” and “Book IV: Force.”
Just in case anyone is keeping track, (we are), “Bel-Air;” “Black Cake;” “Found;” “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story;” and “Snowfall” are NAACP nominees for Outstanding Drama Series.
Find out who takes home the award when the 55th NAACP Image Awards airs live at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, on CBS.