Pitchfork

As a lyricist, loverman, children's book author, and actor, Common wears quite a few hats (figuratively and otherwise) while he goes about his day-to-day business. But perhaps most nobly, he's also a chronic do-gooder, helping make the world a better place one rhyme at a time. For his latest good deed, Common has teamed up with MTV for A:Minute, a contest aimed at encouraging young folks to get tested for HIV/AIDS.

From now until March 27, A:Minute will be accepting, in text, audio, or video format, "lyrics or poems" addressing the urgency of youth HIV testing. The winning entry will be performed by Common in a PSA set to debut on National HIV Testing Day, June 27. The spot will air on MTV2 and mtvU.

When's he not out doing his part to save the world, Common is, um, helping to sell vodka. He's teamed with Just Blaze to create a new version of his classic song "The Light" especially for Smirnoff, as part of the Smirnoff Signature Mix Series. The track and its video will be available on the Signature Mix website starting February 26.

The series, "a campaign pairing three acclaimed rappers with contemporary beat-maestros to create new versions of iconic hip-hop songs," (according to a press release) also features Q-Tip and Cool & Dre re-doing A Tribe Called Quest's "Midnight" and KRS-One and DJ Premier re-doing Boogie Down Productions' "Criminal Minded".

But what does that have to do with vodka? Take it away, press release: "Each artist/producer pairing represents a Smirnoff mixed drink made by blending one of the best-selling Smirnoff flavored vodka products with a popular mixer. 'The Southside,' made with Smirnoff Green Apple flavored vodka and cranberry juice, is the inspiration for Common and Just Blaze's collaboration. 'The Blueberry Abstract,' made with Smirnoff Blueberry flavored vodka and lemonade, is linked to the partnership between Q-Tip and Cool & Dre. 'The Cypha,' an exciting blend of Smirnoff Raspberry flavored vodka and pineapple juice, represents the collaboration between KRS-One and DJ Premier."

Somewhere, Nas is having a good laugh right about now.

In other Common news, he won the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group Grammy for "Southside" featuring Kanye West from Finding Forever, he's (reportedly) appearing on the next Roots LP, he's backing Barack Obama, encouraging you to read books, appearing in the upcoming film Wanted and the Justice League flick, working on a new album he's titled The Believer (not to be confused with these guys), and, last but not least, touring.

Jesus, this guy is busy!

Common:

04-10 Ann Arbor, MI - Michigan State University
04-11 Babson Park, MA - PepsiCo Pavilion
04-16 Flint, MI - University of Michigan at Flint
04-19 Washington, DC - McDonough Gymnasium
06-26 Milwaukee, WI - SummerFest
07-05 Cologne, Germany - Fuhlinger See (Summer Jam)
07-11 St. Gallen, Switzerland - St. Gallen Festival
09-27 Chicago, IL - TBA (Common Ground Foundation Event)