Starz orders drama series from rapper 50 Cent, will sell internationally

US premium cable net Starz has ordered Power, an original drama series that will be executive produced by rapper and entrepreneur Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.

The one-hour series will follow a gangster and drug dealer as he seeks to build a legitimate night club business.

The show will be produced by CBS Television Studios and the first season will be eight, hour-long episodes. It will begin filming in late 2013. Starz will have all global distribution and home entertainment rights to the series.

Starz CEO Chris Albrecht said, “We are thrilled to add Power to our growing original programming lineup for 2014. Curtis has a unique and specific vision for the series, lending it an authenticity and voice rarely seen.”

“This is a passion project for me and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have found a home with Starz. I look forward to working with this incredibly talented team on making Power a hit show,” Jackson added.

It is the rapper’s second TV project announced in recent weeks after it was announced that he will team up with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver on reality series Dream School for US cable net Sundance Channel.