In a surprising turn of events, rapper 50 Cent has aligned himself with Louisiana’s Republican Governor Jeff Landry, endorsing a controversial constitutional amendment that critics argue could have detrimental effects on the state’s Black community. The endorsement comes just as Louisiana prepares for an election featuring four proposed amendments that could significantly alter tax laws, judicial elections, and educational funding.
50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson, recently signed a 45-year lease for a studio in Shreveport, Louisiana, and used his newfound status as a property owner to advocate for Amendment Two. In a video message, he stated, “This is why I support the amendment to on your ballot this Saturday… Voting in favor of the amendment two makes common sense.” He claimed the amendment would provide teachers with a permanent pay raise and double tax deductions for senior citizens, framing it as a bipartisan effort.
However, activists and community leaders, particularly those from the Power Coalition and Gary Chambers Jr., have voiced strong opposition. They argue that the amendments, particularly Amendment Two, mask a more profound restructuring of Louisiana’s tax code that ultimately favors wealthy business owners like 50 Cent while placing a greater tax burden on working-class residents, including teachers and service workers. Chambers emphasized that the proposed changes would siphon funds away from early childhood, special, and K-12 education, as well as crucial infrastructure maintenance.
Chambers and others have actively campaigned against the amendments, urging Louisiana residents to vote “no” on all four. He accused 50 Cent of meddling in local politics without fully understanding the implications of the proposed laws. “It’s about what’s good for him,” Chambers said, highlighting the disconnect between the rapper’s interests and the needs of the local community.
The situation is exacerbated by low voter turnout in Louisiana, which has historically seen less than half of eligible voters participating in legislative elections. Activists have been working diligently to mobilize Black voters, who make up 37% of the electorate, emphasizing the potential power they hold in shaping the outcome of these amendments.
Critics of the amendments argue that they are designed to benefit the state’s wealthy elite at the expense of the working class and marginalized communities. For instance, Amendment Three could make it easier to try juveniles as adults, a move that disproportionately affects Black youth in Louisiana, while Amendment Four seeks to expedite the filling of judicial vacancies during low-turnout elections.
Chambers underscored the importance of community engagement in these elections, stating that if Black voters turn out in higher numbers, they could significantly influence the outcome. He expressed hope that the upcoming election could serve as a turning point, prompting the state legislature to reconsider its approach to economic and social policies that impact the most vulnerable residents.
As the election day approaches, the tension between celebrity endorsements and local political realities continues to unfold, raising critical questions about representation and the voices that shape policy decisions in Louisiana. Activists are urging constituents to educate themselves on the amendments and to exercise their voting rights, reminding them that their participation is vital in advocating for a fair and equitable future for all Louisiana residents.