Master P & other stars to share wisdom for free in big Delaware speaker series
Master P — the beloved leader of the No Limit Soldiers — is leading the charge of an all-star cast of celebrities that will storm Wilmington Public Library in three free events this week.
It all starts with the hip-hop moguls' visit to the library on Monday, Sept. 18. Master P will share his business insight with guests.
There is no registration or tickets for any of these free events, and seating is first come, first serve. This popular speaker series also is intended for guests to ask questions and gain wisdom from these famous experts in their respective fields.
Other prominent library guests this week include acclaimed columnist and political commentator Michael Harriot (Wednesday, Sept. 20), and comedian/actor Bill Bellamy (Friday, Sept. 22).
An event featuring civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced for Thursday, Sept. 21, has been canceled.
Bellamy's event is the only one that starts at noon instead of 6 p.m.
Here's an overview of the four famous guests coming to town this week:
Who is Master P?
Before superstars like Lil Wayne, Ludacris and Nelly were household names, Master P helped to popularize music from the South in the 1990s. That has had a lasting impact on rap today.
The Southern rap pioneer from New Orleans released music at a prolific rate when he launched No Limit Records. From 1997 through 2000, No Limit dropped 51 albums, according to Complex.
The label included artists like Mystikal, Mercedes and P's brothers Silkk the Shocker and C-Murder. The label also signed Snoop Dogg and helped revitalize the Cali native's career.
Well over a decade before Jay-Z started Roc Nation Sports, Master P launched his No Limit Sports agency and signed Ricky Williams, the No. 5 overall draft pick in the 1999 NFL draft.
Master P has expanded into films and other ventures over the years.
Who is Michael Harriot?
If you've ever visited Black news sites The Root or TheGrio, then you've probably read columnist and political commentator Michael Harriot's writings. His work also has been featured in the Washington Post and the Atlantic.
Harriot will visit the library on Wednesday, Sept. 20, with his new book "Black AF History: The Un-Washed Story of America." The book will be available for purchase at the library.
According to the synopsis for "Black AF," Harriot "presents a more accurate version of American history" and he "removes the white sugarcoating from the American story, placing Black people squarely at the center."
Who is Bill Bellamy?
Did you know Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal is related to famous comedian/actor Bill Bellamy?
Yep, they're both cousins and natives of Newark, New Jersey. Bellamy has had a long and storied career in entertainment that includes coining the popular phrase "booty call" in the '90s. The term is used to describe someone who calls or texts another person for a sexual encounter.
The comedian will be available for a lunch meet-and-greet and to sign his new book "Top Billin': Stories of Laughter, Lessons, and Triumph." During his visit lunch will be provided and his books will be for sale, according to Wilmington Library's Facebook page.
Bellamy was one of the faces of MTV in the '90s, hosting shows like "MTV Jams'' and "Beach House.'' He's also appeared in films and other TV shows like "Any Given Sunday" (with Al Pacino), "How to Be A Player," "Kindergarten Cop 2" and "The Jamie Foxx Show."
These celebrity speaking engagements at Wilmington Public Library (10 E. 10th St., Wilmington) all start at 6 p.m., except for Bill Bellamy's event (which is at noon). Each event is free. Visit wilmington.lib.de.us or (302) 571-7400.
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If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Master P, Bill Bellamy & more stars coming to Delaware for free events
