Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few years you must know about the Starz’ smash hit show, Power. Following its success, the network has promised multiple spin-off series within the show’s universe such as Power Book III: Raising Kanan. This spin-off will act as prequel series based on the upbringing and early life of one of the parent show’s main characters, Kanan Stark. In correspondence with the upcoming spin-off, rapper and actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has released a music video for his single “Part of the Game” which revealed some clips of the new series, according to Entertainment Weekly
After the epic series finale to the original Power series in 2020, Power Book II: Ghost then stole the attention of every viewer from the original show. Debuting with 7.5 million viewers it was crowned the highest watched show on the network. According to Hollywood Reporter, Starz announced it was renewed for a second season in September 2020, just three weeks after it’s premiere.
Kanan Stark is played by 50 Cent in the original Power series and it wasn’t hard to tell that he had a rough childhood. Raising Kanan promises to show audiences Kanan’s early life but it’s hard to ignore the striking similarities to 50 Cent’s own early life. Clips of the show feature actors Mekai Curtis, Patina Miller, Omar Epps, Joey Bada$$ and more.
50 Cent’s latest single, “Part of the Game” features Memphis native NLE Choppa and Bronx native Rileyy Lanez. The track serves as not only a peek into the new series, with clips scattered throughout the video but also as the theme song to the new series to come. Mary J. Blige’s 1993 hit “Love No Limit” serves as the jazzy baseline for the track and reinforces the 90s vibe for the video. Check out the 50 Cent video below:
The series Raising Kanan takes place in the early 90s Southside Jamaica, Queens, New York City, the very palace where 50 Cent is from. The music video is loaded with stunningly classic 90s rides like a golden yellow V12 8-series (a RARE find), a burgundy 3-series circa 1989 and a Saab 900 Turbo. There’s also a silver M3 coupe from the early 90s in some shots as well, but who’s counting. Riding in each one, 50 Cent looks like a blast from the past.
Within the video, 50 Cent centered focus on an ode to 90s classic style and aesthetics rather than putting himself in that time. Cars from 2020 can be seen in the background and of course the NYC skyline didn’t have One World Trade Center in the 90s.
Filming for Raising Kanan started in November 2020, after weathering through the pandemic. As of yet there is no set release date but according to the trailer the show is scheduled to premiere sometime in the Summer of 2021.