Feature Story

10.15.07 Hip Hop Has A Conscience: New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin officially proclaimed that August 2, 2007 was "Screamfest Day" in The Big Easy. Platinum-plated hip-hop artists T.I. and T-Pain, along with esteemed music mogul Michael Mauldin and other community leaders joined the beleaguered city official -- who is known as the voice of Hurricane Katrina.

As previously reported by The BV Newswire, "Screamfest '07"-- which kicks off on Aug. 3 at the New Orleans Arena -- is a burgeoning cross-country showcase for the hottest R&B and rap acts. This year's jaunt is headlined by T.I. along with future pop icon Ciara, with supporting acts including T-Pain, Lloyd and Young Joc -- all artists with a huge teen following. For the past seven years, the Mauldin-created youth-friendly outing has featured the likes of Ne-Yo, Bow Wow, B2K, Chris Brown, Nick Cannon, Pretty Ricky and Omarion.

Before the proclamation ceremony took place at City Hall, the group sat down for a roundtable discussion in Nagin's private chambers to talk about how the hip-hop community can take a proactive approach to pitching in. "We understand the negligence here," T.I. said about the devastating conditions still affecting the lower middle class areas of New Orleans -- ravaged by the storm. "We gotta lead by example in order for the government to feel obligated to do anything. If we are no out on the frontline for our own people, nobody gonna come in behind us." Nagin also encouraged the hip-hoppers to try reaching the ears of the young brothers who are killing each other in the streets many urban cities. "That's my field. I can definitely get at them," T.I. said, rising to the challenge. "I got their ears but that's just going to take us getting in touch with your office and making it happen."

Mauldin, a former Columbia Records bigwig, and the biological father of hip-hop super-producer Jermaine Dupri, said that this year's concert tour is the most prominent of years before with the caliber of talent assembled. He stressed the importance of inspiring youth and helping the community. "We just want to let the cities know that we are not just about coming into your town and inviting a bunch of kids down and making those dollars and running away," he said. "We are about trying to make sure we can put something back."

Proceeds from the entire "Screamfest '07" will be earmarked to benefit the City of New Orleans Recreational Department (NORD), which is helmed by passionate New Orleans native Larry Barabino, Jr., who was displaced by Katrina but returned to his home to help rebuild.

HH4H Headlines

10.15.07 Hip Hop Has A Conscience
New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin officially proclaimed that August 2, 2007 was "Screamfest Day" in The Big Easy.

09.21.07 Big O Youth Educational Dream Foundation
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09.21.07 SCREAMFEST '07
Recap the hottest tour of the summer at screamstar.com and text SCREAM to 499 for exclusive mobile content from AT&T!

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