Def Jam founder Russell Simmons will stage his next Hip-Hop Summit in Birmingham, Alabama, the epicentre of the '60s civil rights movement. The event will be held in conjunction with the 13th annual Birmingham Heritage Festival from 1-3 Aug
Among those confirmed to take part at the Summit are Cash Money Millionaires members Lil' Wayne and TQ, the UK's own Floetry, David Banner, Lil' Jon & the Eastside Boys, Big Tymers and Lil' Flip.
Simmons said: "I expect the event will be a powerful statement concerning the importance of empowering young people with the rich legacy of our heritage and to push forward to make even greater progress, utilizing the tremendous gifts, talents and energy of the youth of today."
Organisers expect more than 150,000 people to attend the event. Simmons will use the occasion to unveil two new entrepreneurial enterprises: a financial services empowerment vehicle for the disenfranchised called the rush card, and an energy drink called 'Def Con 3'.