Hip hop artists host financial seminar

Atlanta -- Some of hip-hop's biggest stars gathered in Atlanta to educate young people about the importance of financial responsibility.

The Morris Brown College gymnasium played host to The Hip Hop Summit's Financial Empowerment Tour Saturday, bringing nearly 1,000 attendees and a panel of influential leaders from the hip-hop and urban community, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported.

"We're here to financially empower young people," DJ Drama said.

Hip-hop pioneer Russell Simmons, who chaired the event, addressed the black community's need for education on financial responsibility.

"Hopefully they'll pay attention because there's a lot of basic stuff often overlooked. The schools aren't teaching it, that's for sure," Simmons told the audience.

Other panelists included R&B star Letoya Luckett, Hurricane Chris, rapper Young Joc, Jermaine Dupree and DJ Belly.

The Journal-Constitution noted the timing of the event coincided with reports saying Atlanta's black community is among the hardest hit by the latest mortgage crisis.

© 2007 United Press International.