Snoop Dogg has teamed up with a popular dancer to create a new organization 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.”

Source, Bauer-Griffin