Thug Life Army

ATL based Hip Hop artist T.I., aka Clifford Harris, Jr. reaffirms his commitment to community service by participating in the upcoming Turn Up the Vote National Hip-Hop Summit at Temple University on Sunday, April 20, 2008 in Philadelphia, PA. The Summit is sponsored by The Hip-Hop Research and Education Fund (HREF), PowerPAC and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN).

T.I. states "I am pleased to have the opportunity to travel to Philadelphia to participate in the Hip-Hop Summit.” The hip hop star went onto say "We are going to encourage young people to go out to vote. I personally know the value of having the right to vote and it taken away from you, but I will add my voice to help inspire others to take seriously this right and responsibility."

Russell Simmons says, "T.I.'s commitment to serve and to give back to the community is a shining example of the best of hip-hop. The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network and the Hip-Hop Research and Education Fund continue to provide opportunities for artists and others to empower youth. T.I. will join me, Ciara, Jim Jones and a host of other artists to get out the vote across the state of Pennsylvania."

The Turn Up the Vote National Hip-Hop Summit takes place two days before the Pennsylvania primary and will educate young adults on the issues in the upcoming Presidential election. 2008 has been described as the "Year of the Youth Vote." Millions of 18-35 year olds across America are being encouraged to go to the polls and vote in record numbers.

"T.I. has supported the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network from the beginning. We are pleased to salute and recognize his leadership and commitment to help others. His presence with us in Philadelphia will greatly enhance our ability to mobilize young voters," declared Valeisha Butterfield, Executive Director of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network.

"America is undergoing a profound change led by a cadre of young, talented and inspiring hip-hop leaders. The Philadelphia get-out-the-vote Hip-Hop Summit will be truly historic. Thousands will be gathered and their voices will be heard and felt by millions of young voters," concluded Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President of the Hip-Hop Research and Education Fund.

T.I. will headline the event with entertainment mogul and philanthropist Russell Simmons and R&B superstar Ciara to discuss topics that effect American youth, including: Overcoming Poverty, Healthcare, Education, Alcohol and Drug Prevention, Stopping Violence in Urban Communities, Ending the War in Iraq and the importance of Civic Engagement.

Additional confirmed panelists include: Jim Jones, Flo-Rida, Webbie, Lil Boosie, Rosci and Terrence J (hosts of BET's 106 & Park), Chrisette Michelle, Rich Boy, Styles P, Lyfe Jennings, Lil X, Green Lantern, Gorilla Zoe, Latino hip- hop/reggaeton stars Alexis y Fido; O''Neal McKnight; Emily King and NAACP National Director, Youth and College Division, Stefanie Brown.. Doors open at 12:30pm. For more information and to download free tickets, log onto: www.hsan.org.

On this rare occasion, competing radio stations, Clear Channel's Power 99 and Radio One's 100.3 THE BEAT, have come together for this historic mobilization, under a common cause, to get young people out to the polls on April 22nd.