Starz orders drama series from rapper 50 Cent

NEW YORK, June 17 (UPI) -- Starz says it has ordered a New York-set drama series called "Power" from rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and writer-producer Courtney Kemp Agboh.

Jackson will serve as a producer and Agboh as an executive producer and show-runner on the hour-long show, which is about a wealthy, ambitious nightclub owner and drug kingpin.

"We are thrilled to add 'Power' to our growing original programming lineup for 2014," Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht said in a statement last Friday. "Curtis has a unique and specific vision for the series, lending it an authenticity and voice rarely seen. Courtney has created a rich world and characters not often explored in contemporary drama. There is a rawness and soul to the character of Ghost as he struggles to live between these two worlds that we believe will leave an indelible mark on the audience and stay with them after the credits roll."

"Starz has given our team an opportunity to explore a world of beauty, luxury, danger and death, all against the struggle of one man to define his nature and his soul," said Agboh. "While the power and peril of Ghost's world are specific, we hope to address the truly universal questions we all face when we look in the mirror: Who am I? Where am I going? Who do I want to become?"

"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," said Jackson.