Mary Meaux
The Port Arthur News
PORT ARTHUR
March 26, 2008 08:42 pm
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Port Arthur rapper Bernard “Bun B” Freeman showed his love for his home town with thousands of dollars worth of gifts for fans.
More than 2,000 fans showed up at an intersection between Carver Terrace and Prince Hall apartments Wednesday for the filming of Freeman’s video, “That’s Gangsta.”
Arlinda Williams, a classmate of Freeman, said the rap artist is known for coming back to Port Arthur and giving to the community.
“He’s a really sweet person, kind hearted and smart,” she said remembering to his high school days.
One man named John called Freeman a “stand up guy.”
“It’s real good of him to come back to the community and do something for the kids and the people of Port Arthur, something positive,” he said. “He supports his town 100 percent and didn’t forget where he came from.”
Leslie Ashton, a professional model from Dallas, is part of the video shoot. Ashton was pleased to see how the community came together for Freeman.
“There’s a lot of support from the city,” she said. “And he’s giving back to the community. Not everyone can afford to give these toys to their kids. Port Arthur really supports him.”
Jaime Clark of Boomtown Productions said Freeman donated 20 bicycles, about $600 in toys, plus about 1,000 posters. Yum Sneakers donated 20 pairs of new shoes and shirts while Trill Clothing sent along 400 shirts. PA native Nahalia “Mr. Boomtown” Johnson, owner of Boomtown Productions, also pitched in with gifts for fans by donating between 400 to 500 articles of clothing.
The giveaway was filmed as part of the video.
The second day of shooting began along Houston Avenue where cooks grilled barbecue for fans and crew.
Freeman was joined by up and coming rapper Craig “XVII” Isabelle and Houston based rapper Stayve Jerome “Slim Thug” Thomas who spent hours posing for photographs and giving autographs to fans of all ages. Other artists included Port Arthur rapper Herbert “Hezeleo” Mouton and Louisiana born and Houston known rapper Cedric “ESG” Hill.
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Photos
Art Department crew member Jerome Riddle, left, stuffs UGK labled boxes full of toys that were slated to be given away to youths at the Carver Terrace Apartment complex as part of rapper Bernard “Bun B” Freeman’s new video, “That’s gangsta,” Wednesday afternoon in Port Arthur. The Port Arthur News
Video crew members load up a truck full of children’s bikes, which were slated for the giveaway as well.
The Port Arthur News
Houston-based rapper Slim Thug made his appearance for the video atop a blue-flamed motorcycle as a large crowd gathers along the sidewalk.
The Port Arthur News
“Bun B” arrives on the set for the shooting of his video. The Port Arthur News