quickdodge®
05-12-2007, 10:59 PM
Gangster Rapper Master P. Drops Explicit Lyrics, Launches Profanity Free Label
No Limit Records CEO and founder Percy "Master P" Miller is making an effort to transform his image and label, by vowing to turn away from using negative lyrics in the music he makes.
"Personally, I have profited millions of dollars through explicit rap lyrics," Miller told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "I can honestly say that I was once part of the problem and now it's time to be part of the solution. I am ready to take a stand by cleaning up my music and follow my son's footsteps and make a clean rap album."
Miller's declaration comes amid recent criticism of rap music for negative and degrading images.
The Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson as well as talk show host Oprah Winfrey have made headlines for their roles in confronting the issue.
As a result, Miller is determined to make a change.
"Al Sharpton and Oprah Winfrey are absolutely right! It's time for us to take a stand and be responsible for our own actions," the mogul said. "I am willing to accept my responsibility. Hip-Hop is about our neighborhoods, the reality of what is going on within them, and dreaming big."
Miller is putting his new outlook into focus with the creation of his new record label, Take A Stand Records.
The company, which is co-founded by the rapper's son Romeo, is currently looking for "Hip-Hop artists with street music without offensive lyrics," according to Miller, who added that a nationwide talent search will be held through his new reality television show, America's Next Hip-Hop Stars.com.
Contestants will be required to take a two-day Hip-Hop business and image course that will be taught by the rap mogul and Curtis Oakes of the MillerOakes Financial Institute.
Proceeds from album sales will go to scholarship funds for underprivileged youth.
To quality for the scholarship, kids must submit a one-page essay that addresses the question "Why is it so important for Hip-Hop artists to clean up their lyrics?"
"Take A Stand Records is about arming our communities with knowledge and putting money and real estate back into our communities. I am collaborating with the NAACP to do my part," said Miller, who commended fellow rap tycoon Russell Simmons on his efforts to clean up rap.
"I am setting up clean Hip-Hop concerts for the kids," Master P said. "We are no longer making typical record distribution deals. We're planning to team up with companies such as Wal-Mart, Target, and other companies that have direct contact with our communities."
Although he acknowledges Hip-Hop's influence, Miller is aware of the challenge that lies ahead.
"The Hip-Hop industry has come a long way. Today, it continues to generate billions of dollars in which corporate America is the main beneficiary. Hip-Hop artists have been able to use their talents in this industry and make a better life for themselves and their families," Miller said. "I believe that it is possible to make a street album without explicit lyrics. I am not expecting the entire industry to change over night but this is one positive step towards the growth of Hip-Hop."
Musically, fans can look forward to Miller's first father and son rap album with Romeo, an effort whose content will be, as Miller described, "all clean"
The release, titled Hip-Hop History, is slated to hit stores this fall.
Later, QD.
No Limit Records CEO and founder Percy "Master P" Miller is making an effort to transform his image and label, by vowing to turn away from using negative lyrics in the music he makes.
"Personally, I have profited millions of dollars through explicit rap lyrics," Miller told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "I can honestly say that I was once part of the problem and now it's time to be part of the solution. I am ready to take a stand by cleaning up my music and follow my son's footsteps and make a clean rap album."
Miller's declaration comes amid recent criticism of rap music for negative and degrading images.
The Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson as well as talk show host Oprah Winfrey have made headlines for their roles in confronting the issue.
As a result, Miller is determined to make a change.
"Al Sharpton and Oprah Winfrey are absolutely right! It's time for us to take a stand and be responsible for our own actions," the mogul said. "I am willing to accept my responsibility. Hip-Hop is about our neighborhoods, the reality of what is going on within them, and dreaming big."
Miller is putting his new outlook into focus with the creation of his new record label, Take A Stand Records.
The company, which is co-founded by the rapper's son Romeo, is currently looking for "Hip-Hop artists with street music without offensive lyrics," according to Miller, who added that a nationwide talent search will be held through his new reality television show, America's Next Hip-Hop Stars.com.
Contestants will be required to take a two-day Hip-Hop business and image course that will be taught by the rap mogul and Curtis Oakes of the MillerOakes Financial Institute.
Proceeds from album sales will go to scholarship funds for underprivileged youth.
To quality for the scholarship, kids must submit a one-page essay that addresses the question "Why is it so important for Hip-Hop artists to clean up their lyrics?"
"Take A Stand Records is about arming our communities with knowledge and putting money and real estate back into our communities. I am collaborating with the NAACP to do my part," said Miller, who commended fellow rap tycoon Russell Simmons on his efforts to clean up rap.
"I am setting up clean Hip-Hop concerts for the kids," Master P said. "We are no longer making typical record distribution deals. We're planning to team up with companies such as Wal-Mart, Target, and other companies that have direct contact with our communities."
Although he acknowledges Hip-Hop's influence, Miller is aware of the challenge that lies ahead.
"The Hip-Hop industry has come a long way. Today, it continues to generate billions of dollars in which corporate America is the main beneficiary. Hip-Hop artists have been able to use their talents in this industry and make a better life for themselves and their families," Miller said. "I believe that it is possible to make a street album without explicit lyrics. I am not expecting the entire industry to change over night but this is one positive step towards the growth of Hip-Hop."
Musically, fans can look forward to Miller's first father and son rap album with Romeo, an effort whose content will be, as Miller described, "all clean"
The release, titled Hip-Hop History, is slated to hit stores this fall.
Later, QD.