Next Big Philanthropist?

Aug. 5, 2007 — -- Percy Miller is best known as the streetwise, obscenity-spitting, heat-packing rapper, Master P. As the poster child for the 1990s gangster rap movement, Miller used profanity and anger to his advantage, amassing a fortune once estimated at $661 million in sales from his many records, and in royalties from his record label, No Limits.

But recently, Master P has drastically changed his tune.

Instead of continuing to spout the same violent lyrics that made him rich and famous, Master P, along with his son Romeo, has formed a new label, Take a Stand Records. As its name suggests, Take a Stand will offer "clean" hip-hop music, featuring responsible artists and a positive portrayal of the urban community.

"I made millions of dollars from making music with profanity in it," said Miller in an interview with ABC News.  "I was once part of the problem, and now I want to be a part of the solution. I'm growing. I'm getting older.I feel like I'm a parent of hip-hop."

Now a father five times over and a father figure to millions of aspiring rappers, Master P has decided to set an example for the rest of the hip-hop community by refining his message and launching a record label designed to cater to those rappers who want to do the same.

In an open letter posted on his Internet site, he wrote, "I am ready to take a stand by cleaning up my music and making a clean rap album. … I am not expecting the entire industry to change overnight, but this is one positive step toward the growth of hip-hop."

The idea behind Take a Stand Records hit Master P one day when he found himself turning down the music on his stereo to prevent his youngest children from hearing the expletive-laden lyrics. After much soul searching, Master P decided to put his troubles with the law and the glory days of his gangster rap fame behind him and dedicated himself to cleaning up hip-hop's image.