In 1999, formerly homeless teen Chris ‘Kazi’ Rolle created the Hip Hop Project through New York City’s Art Start program. Despite common struggles faced by inner city youth, the participants produced their own collective hip hop album, and in the process, gained confidence in their abilities, higher knowledge, and life skills towards a positive future. A documentary of The Hip Hop Project (produced by Bruce Willis and Queen Latifah) released in spring 2007 has inspired other cities to create similar programs.