Common Launches ‘A Minute’ Lyric Contest

Chicago emcee Common and his Common Ground Foundation are teaming up with the Kaiser Family and MTV to encourage youth to get tested for HIV with the 'A Minute' lyric contest.

Participants must submit an original lyric that expresses why they think it's important to get tested. Contestants can submit entries -- which must be a minute or less -- at www.aminutecontest.com. Common will perform the lucky winner's lyric in a public service announcement, airing on MTV2 and MTVu. The PSA will premiere on National HIV Testing Day (June 27).

In other Common news, the rapper will join a slew of actresses and activists involved in the 10th anniversary celebration of 'The Vagina Monologues,' dubbed 'V to the Tenth.' Common, Eve and New-Orleans-based jazz/funk artist Charmaine Neville are set to perform at the the Superlove Celebration at the New Orleans Arena and Super Dome, taking place on April 11-12. Salma Hayek, Oprah Winfrey and Jessica Alba are among the list of celebrities scheduled to attend.