50 Cent to Host, Produce New Variety Show

50 Cent will host and executive produce a new variety series for A&E with the working title, 50 Cent Presents.

The series is still in development, but will reportedly blend music, sketch and stand-up comedy, dance, reality experiments, magic and celebrity guest appearances. The rapper, real name Curtis Jackson, will help curate the performers as well, bringing on both A-listers and up-and-comers.

“I grew up watching variety shows and am excited to put my own spin on the format,” 50 Cent said in a statement. “I hope everyone is ready to bring their talent forward. I want to show the world the best of the best.”

As The Hollywood Reporter points out, several networks have tried to revive the more traditional variety format as talent competitions continue to draw big ratings. While hyper-focused shows like Spike TV’s Lip Sync Battle have found success, the most notable old-school variety show in recent memory — Neil Patrick Harris’ Best Time Ever — was canceled by NBC after just one season. 

And while many variety shows are built around an all-star host, Washington D.C.’s famed 9:30 Club recently announced it was plotting its own show that will feature a revolving door of hosts and musical guests. Live at 9:30 is slated to arrive this spring on public television. 

As for 50 Cent, the A&E show marks his latest foray into television. The rapper served as a producer and teacher on the educational docu-series Dream School and continues to produce and act on the Starz series, Power. The rapper is also slated to play himself in a potential Fox comedy, My Friend 50, about an “unstable twentysomething” who tries to break into the rapper-actor’s entourage.

Amidst all this, however, 50 Cent remains involved in bankruptcy litigation. The rapper recently appeared in court to discuss a selection of Instagram photos in which he was surrounded by money, though the rapper claimed it was fake tender. Nevertheless, the judge was compelled to appoint an examiner to investigate 50 Cent’s actual assets.