50 Cent turns Fightland premiere into a surprise concert
50 Cent hosted the Fightland premiere in New York, then performed with Sleepy Hallow, Rich the Kid, A Boogie and more, TMZ reported.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
50 Cent made the 50 Cent Fightland premiere a two-part New York takeover Tuesday night, hosting the Starz series debut at Jazz at Lincoln Center before turning the screening into a surprise concert, TMZ reported.
The rapper and executive producer addressed the crowd at the premiere, according to TMZ, telling attendees the show would quickly give them characters to cheer for and others to cheer against.
After the screening, the night shifted from TV launch to live show inside the Rose Theatre. TMZ reported that 50 Cent performed several of his best-known songs, including the theme for “Fightland,” and closed the set with “Hate It or Love It.”
What happened at 50 Cent's Fightland premiere?
According to TMZ, 50 Cent hosted the New York premiere for his new Starz series “Fightland,” then surprised the crowd with performances after the screening. The event was held at Jazz at Lincoln Center, with the performance taking place inside the Rose Theatre.
The surprise set did not stay solo for long. TMZ reported that 50 Cent brought out Sleepy Hallow, Rich the Kid and A Boogie during the performance, drawing a loud reaction from the audience.
The guest list also had plenty of familiar faces. TMZ reported that Sherri Shepherd, Ari Melber, LaLa Anthony, Naturi Naughton-Lewis, Wendell Pierce, London Brown, DJ Envy, Tristan Mack Wilds and Tony Yayo were among the attendees.
Who performed after the screening?
TMZ reported that 50 Cent performed first after the “Fightland” screening, with Sleepy Hallow, Rich the Kid and A Boogie joining him during the Rose Theatre set.
The night then moved to PH Live for an after-party, where the music continued. According to TMZ, 50 Cent reunited there with Uncle Murda, Tony Yayo and Sleepy Hallow for additional performances.
Video credited by TMZ to KREWSADE and The VIP List showed the premiere celebration and performance moments. TMZ also published video from KREWSADE showing the later birthday surprise during the bash.
50 Cent adds a birthday moment for Amanda Ruisi
The after-party also included a personal pause in the middle of the music. TMZ reported that 50 Cent surprised his longtime publicist, Amanda Ruisi, founder of AKR Public Relations, with a birthday celebration.
According to TMZ, a cake was brought out as the crowd cheered. The room then joined 50 Cent in singing the birthday lines from “In Da Club,” tying the celebration back to one of his signature tracks.
The result was a premiere night that moved from red carpet and screening room to stage and after-party, with 50 Cent treating the “Fightland” launch as both a television debut and a live music event.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.