50 Cent is among the artists being approached

50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Ms Dynamite and Big Brovaz are among the stars approached to take part in the event.

The Prince's Trust Music Festival, to be staged at Earls Court on 8 and 9 May, is expected to attract up to 40,000 fans.

The event, to be covered by BBC Radio 1 and sister station 1 Xtra, will also feature break-dance contests and lessons in graffiti writing.

Justin Timberlake has had a successful 2003

A spokeswoman for the trust said: "There is currently nothing like this on the music calendar, and the market-place is clamouring for a large-scale, credible urban event to celebrate the steady rise of this music genre.

"We are in discussion with some major international stars and it will be fantastic line-up."

The Prince's Trust also stages the annual Party In The Park pop concert and recently held the Fashion Rocks event at the Royal Albert Hall.