50 Cent Invests $100 Million to Transform Times Square Into Next‑Gen Entertainment Hub
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The artist and entrepreneur, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, has pledged $100 million to transform a prominent Times Square space into a top entertainment venue. The project, announced this week, is one of the most ambitious cultural and commercial efforts in the area in recent years.
The main feature of the initiative is PH Live. This is a versatile entertainment hub being developed in collaboration with Planet Hollywood and its founder, Robert Earl, at the current Planet Hollywood Times Square location. The venue aims to be a center for lifestyle, arts, and culture. It will combine live music, film premieres, immersive events, dining, and VIP experiences all in one place.
“Planet Hollywood has always been connected to pop culture, and PH Live takes that energy to the next level.” Says Jackson in a press release announcing the venture. He highlights his belief that the space will become a magnet for fans, creators, and industry insiders alike.
A Bold Vision for Cultural Renewal
Times Square is experiencing a revival, with 50 Cent’s investment highlighting a shift towards engaging, hands-on entertainment. PH Live intends to provide lively programming that can turn the venue from a daytime restaurant into an energetic performance space at night. It will utilize modern LED technology, surprise pop-up concerts, celebrity appearances, and curated cultural events.
Industry experts say the concept combines the best aspects of a nightlife hotspot, performance venue, and cultural institution. It is designed to attract international visitors while encouraging local community involvement and artistic expression in one of New York’s busiest areas.
Dining, Memorabilia, and Exclusive Experiences
In addition to performances, PH Live will blend dining and entertainment in unique ways that are rare in the city’s center. Guests can expect a menu that reflects Jackson’s tastes. This features standout dishes like sweet chili shrimp with mashed potatoes. Also sliced steak with mac and cheese, and signature burgers with custom sauces.
The venue will also feature immersive décor and memorabilia from Jackson’s career as a musician, actor, and producer.
Executives involved see the venue as more than just a restaurant or club. It is a living museum of contemporary entertainment culture that combines Jackson’s noteworthy career with cutting-edge design.
Strategic Expansion and Global Ambition
While the Times Square location will be the flagship site for PH Live, sources close to the project suggest there are plans for future expansion. Jackson and Earl are reportedly looking at opening additional PH Live venues in other cities. They aim to turn the brand into a global entertainment franchise.
For Jackson, this project builds on a series of well-known ventures that go well beyond his beginnings in hip-hop. Since rising to fame in the early 2000s, he has successfully branched out into television production, film, hospitality, and branded experiences. With PH Live, he establishes a new presence in New York’s cultural landscape. He is merging music, film, food, fashion, and live performance in one integrated venue.
An Inspiring Statement for Culture and Commerce
Experts say this project points to a wider trend in urban entertainment districts. It creates spaces that move beyond simple consumption to offer engaging experiences. PH Live could serve as a model for how cities use celebrity-driven cultural investments to boost tourism, nightlife, and creative industry growth.
As construction plans and event schedules are set, PH Live is already creating excitement on social media and within industry circles. This highlights the lasting influence of one of hip-hop’s most shrewd entrepreneurs.


