Snoop Dogg - Snoop Dogg Launches Youth Organisation

SNOOP DOGG has teamed up with a popular U.S. dancer to create a new organisation aimed at keeping at-risk youngsters off the streets.

The rapper has recruited entertainer Tommy the Clown to form the C.L.O.U.T. Foundation (Changing Lives One Youth at a Time), which they hope will prevent teens turning to drugs or crime.

The star is planning to hold a Battle Night every month in Los Angeles, where local students can take the stage to show off their poetry, dance or drama skills.

And Snoop, who was a member of the notorious Crips street gang in high school, has credited a former teacher with inspiring him to provide opportunities for underprivileged kids.

He tells AllHipHop.com, "As a youth I had one teacher who really pushed me to be the best and gave me an outlet to really feel like I could be somebody - and I became successful partly because of his belief in me.

"I want to give that to the kids so they know there is more to life than the street hustle or crime. I have been friends with Tommy the Clown for years and see what he has done for so many people; this partnership is very important to me."