While some think that hip-hop stars are only interested in the “Benjamin’s,” many do give back to the community, especially when it comes to supporting AIDS awareness. Recently in Dallas, popular rappers Mike Jones and David Banner and R&B group Day 25 performed for 3,000 fans. As part of the Hip-Hop for HIV Initiative, the event was aimed at getting more African Americans tested. As an incentive, anyone who got an HIV test received a free ticket for the concert.

"It’s a disease that is killing our communities,” says DJ Big Bink of KBFB-FM “The Beat” (97.9), the radio station hosting the event. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, African Americans accounted for more than 45 percent of those newly diagnosed with HIV in 2006.

Do you think that hip-hop stars help or hurt AIDS prevention? Read RH’s “Hip Hope” and express yourself.