Walking into Spec’s Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods in College Station on Wednesday felt more like stepping into a concert hall. 

“It was my pleasure being here,” Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson said. 

Fans of 50 Cent, the rapper and business mogul, lined up from 5 to 7 p.m., eager to snap photos with him and purchase his alcohol brands. 

“I’ve always grown up a 90’s rap fan, especially [because] my dad was a huge fan,” agricultural leadership and development junior Ashlyn Brewer said.  “I’m just a huge fan of 50, so I had to come.” 

50 Cent has been visiting Spec’s locations across Texas to promote his alcohol brands, Le Chemin Du Roi Brut champagne and Branson Cognac, and meet fans.

“50 and his crew drove this event, and we got him in Texas for a few weeks to make the tour,” president and owner of Spec’s John Rydman said. 

The air buzzed with excitement as KBXT The Beat 101.9 FM brought the vibe to life with a DJ stationed inside the store, which filled the space with old-school beats and classic pop songs. It wasn’t just background music — it was a carefully curated soundtrack that gave the store a lively, nostalgic atmosphere. 

“A guy of 50 Cent’s caliber doesn’t come to College Station too much, so we had to take full advantage,” KBXT on-air personality Steve De La Rosa said.

Fans couldn’t help but groove along as they inched closer to meet the rap icon, the mix of music setting the perfect tone for an evening that blended celebrity charm with a concert-like experience.

“I only get a minute with him but I’m excited because 50 Cent is very real and timeless,” communications senior Cat Arce said. 

In addition to meeting 50 Cent, fans had the opportunity to pre-purchase bottles of his alcohol brands online or grab them in-store, with options ranging from individual bottles to exclusive “Fan Packs” featuring multiple bottles at special prices. Depending on their purchase, fans were given either a white wristband or a gold VIP band which offered a more exclusive experience.

The gold VIP band allowed fans to skip the line that wrapped around the store. As the crowd extended beyond the aisles, this perk added an air of exclusivity that gave VIPs a special edge. 

“50 Cent is a great entrepreneur and he gives back to the community,” VIP fan Natasha Briggs said. “I love that he’s coming locally to meet his fans and I appreciate it.”

Briggs said her package was $200 and she was able to get four bottles and take a picture with 50 Cent. She said the rapper was really sweet, and when she gave him kudos for everything he did, he thanked her and appreciated her time. 

Spec’s ensured the event ran smoothly splitting the lines and organizing fans based on their wristbands. They also kept boxes of 50 Cent’s alcohol brands neatly stacked along the way for easy access. 

The store’s mascot, the iconic white rabbit, even made an appearance, adding an extra layer of fun to the experience. Fans took the opportunity to snap photos with the costumed figure. 

The significance of the event extended beyond just promoting 50 Cent’s alcohol — it was also a nod to the bond between Spec’s and the local community.

“College Station is important to us, and it’s a major market for Specs,” Rydman said. “[50 Cent] talked to us and has the belief that he would rather be in smaller communities that don’t get much attention from celebrities like him.”