Many months ago, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson erected temporary fencing on the two downtown empty lots he owns on Spring Street.
One lot is across from the Blind Tiger at the foot of the Texas Street Bridge, and the other is at the northeast corner of Travis and Spring Streets; the pictures below were taken at that location.
Le Chemin du Roi, which means “path to the King,” is a luxury sparkling wine that 50 created and owns. It is priced from $150 to $190 a bottle by retailers.
Branson Cognac is touted as a premium French cognac brand co-founded by Jackson under Sire Spirits. It is priced around $39.99 to $44.99 with higher prices for more aged bottles.
Sire Spirits is the luxury wine and spirits company that 50 owns, with its main brands being Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi champagne.
Jackson advertises this company, his brandy and champagne on these fences.
The Shreveport Unified Development Code does not regulate construction fencing or messages on it.
Federal law controls alcohol advertising and these advertising messages on billboards may be authorized subject to many restrictions. Whether these regulations control temporary fencing is an open question.
With all the over-the-top hype on creating an entertainment and job mecca downtown, Jackson’s lack of meaningful action at G-Unit Studios, Expo Hall and the many downtown buildings he has purchased is a bigger issue than his fence ads.
However, the ads still send a message that most observers view as negative.