SCREAMFEST '07: Hip-Hop Talk Shop At City Hall in The Big Easy

By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Michael Mauldin, C. Ray Nagin and T.I. at City Hall in New Orleans, August 2, 2007. Earlier today, 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."

scenes from roundtable

The chart-topping rapper, whose latest album 'T.I. vs. TIP' stormed the Billboard charts last month and has sold more than one million copies since, seemed eager to join in on starting a new initiative -- even suggesting to do seasonal benefit concerts. Through his record company Atlantic Records, the Atlanta born bad boy has already taken an involvement in the groundbreaking efforts of Urban Farming, a Detroit-area based non-profit organization focused on eradicating hunger globally via planting food in unused land (vacant lots, unused landscapes and even rooftops).

"How can we make New Orleans a key topic of the presidential election?," T.I. asked Nagin, who replied, "Anytime you are in front of any of those candidates or their representatives, talk about New Orleans."

"If New Orleans can do down like this, Philadelphia, L.A., Chicago, Atlanta ... this can happen anywhere," Nagin continued. "Unfortunately, after the storm and all the stuff we've gone through, there has not been one fundamental change in Washington as far as laws and the way they deal with future events, so the same thing can go down."

"It's going to be a while before it gets better but despite of that, citizens here are doing their thing."

T-Pain, C. Ray Nagin and T.I. 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.

More "Screamfest '07" Coverage

-- TI: Exploring Hard Times in the Big Easy

-- "Screamfest '07" The Big Kickoff

Stay tuned for more info on Barabino's passion for Crescent City.