It won’t be politics as usual when Detroit rapper Obie Trice sits with lawmakers in his home state.

According to a press release, Trice was tapped by Michigan State Senator Virgil Smith to meet today [April 22] to discuss ways in which they can work together to bridge the gap between the entertainment industry and residents of the Motor City. 

The witty wordsmith, formerly signed to Eminem’s Shady Records, plans to propose a measure to get grants to subsidize funding for an arts-based enrichment program that will offer youth in his hometown exposure to the entertainment industry. Trice and his label Black Market Entertainment have plans to build a free recording studio and soundstage with help from the Senator. 

“Detroit has a solid history in the arts, rooted in excellence and trailblazing,” said the platinum-selling rapper. “With our youth the city has endless potential, it’s our responsibility to identify and cultivate it.”

The city will also propose new tactics to publicize the tax breaks and incentives available to production companies willing to operate out of Detroit. 

Trice recently shot a video for his song “Keep Me/Love Me” in preparation of his upcoming album Bottoms Up.

(Photo:  Scott Gries/Getty Images)