master-p.jpgFor better or worse, the controversy surrounding Don Imus has lead to a discussion about censorship and vulgar lyrics in hip-hop. Now, No Limit Records CEO, Master P, is taking a stand with Al Sharpton and Oprah Winfrey by condemning violent lyrics in hip-hop. On Wednesday (May 9), Master P issued a letter to the hip-hop industry stating his intentions to make a clean rap album. Master P’s letter is as follows.

“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. Personally, I have profited millions of dollars through explicit rap lyrics. 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. 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.

Al Sharpton and Oprah Winfrey are absolutely right! It’s time for us to take a stand and be responsible for our own actions. 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.

My son and I have started a record company called Take A Stand Records. Proceeds from the record album sales will go to scholarship funds for underprivileged kids across the nation. 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?” For more details go to TakeAStandRecords.com.

Take A Stand Records will be looking for Hip Hop artists with street music without offensive lyrics by holding a nationwide talent search through our new reality television show, “America’s Next Hip Hop Stars.com.” Contestants will be required to take a two-day Hip Hop Business & Image course that will be taught by P. Miller and Curtis Oakes, courtesy of the MillerOakes Financial Institute.

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. I will be available for interviews and appearances that are geared to helping this cause. I am setting up clean Hip Hop concerts for the kids. 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.

Master P & Romeo’s first father and son rap album titled Hip Hop History will be coming this fall. And guess what? It’s all clean.

Our goal is to take Hip Hop to Wall Street and empower anyone else who feels underrepresented. We are providing guidance and tools through media such as the new book Guaranteed Success and our organization called The Wealthy Son.

Let’s address the problems and negative individuals and not tear down the entire Hip Hop industry. Only God can judge us. I commend Russell Simmons for stepping up. And it’s time for more of us to take a stand. Unity is key and knowledge is power. Come to spread the knowledge to our community. Don’t let the dream die, its time for us to Take A Stand.”

Percy “Master P” Miller

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