If it seems as though Percy Miller, known in the rap industry as Master P., has become a lot more visible in Memphis, that’s because it’s true.

            No longer taking the rap for his former bad boy image, Miller was in the city early last month with his rapper son, Lil’ Romeo, to conduct a basketball camp for kids ages 7-15. Last Friday, he was in Memphis to promote the 1st annual “Let The Kids Grow Day” at Mud Island River Park on Aug. 1.

            On that day from 9 a.m. to noon, Miller and Lil’ Romeo will be at the park to deliver free school supplies from Wal-Mart to more than 5,000 children ages 6-16.

            “We created the program to prepare kids for school,” said the native from New Orleans. “I want kids to know that it’s cool to go to school. That’s my passion for being in Memphis.”

            During an interview with the Tri-State Defender, Miller said he is getting the best of both worlds – Memphis and New Orleans.

            “I’m helping the inner-city kids in Memphis,” he said. “And I’m also helping the families that have made Memphis their home (after Hurricane Katrina).”

            The goal of the program is to educate kids to be great students and to show them the importance of staying away from drugs and gangs.

            Miller said the aim also is to prepare and encourage minority inner-city children to work hard in school, pursue college, and build careers for tomorrow.

            “It’s important for them to follow their dreams,” he added.

            Children who want to take advantage of the free school supplies, Miller said, must submit a short essay entitled “Why is education so important”?

            Ten essay winners will be chosen to receive a $500 shopping spree. Also, there will be live musical entertainment and motivational speakers from the community.

            Miller said the essay is a way of steering students toward academic development. “I want to get into these kids’ minds and let them know the importance of education.”

            Miller and Lil’ Romeo will be accompanied by Gee Gee “The Magical” Giraffe, a movie character Miller created for children.

            “Gee Gee is going to be a true role model and teach kids through music, books, song, dance, live action, and animation,” Romeo said.

            Though some students may not be able to afford school supplies, Miller believes the free supplies would give them a jumpstart before school begins.

            “We’re sending a message of hope to inner-city kids, saying, ‘You know what, he started out the wrong way, but he got his act together,’” Miller said about himself.           

            “I grew up in New Orleans and people know how hard it is,” Miller said. “With the Memphis crime rate… I look at it like we’re not promoting positiveness.”

            The streets are mean, he said, and children will have a hard time trying to slick him. “I know the game. I know the violence. I’ve seen people end up in jail or dead,” he said matter-of-factly.

            “You can look at my life and say ‘P., why did you make these changes?’” “Why not.”