Grammy-winning rapper Common is combining what he does best (blending his thoughtful lyrics with soulful beats) to help stress the importance of getting tested for HIV. "It's important to know your status by getting tested because HIV/AIDS is taking a lot of lives in our community and around the world. I had an uncle succumb to HIV, so I've personally felt the impact of the disease," Common said in a statement. "Your lyrics can really have an affect on people's lives and I've seen it happen."

Back in February, the Chicago emcee and his Common Ground Foundation teamed up with the Kaiser Family and MTV to encourage youth to get tested for HIV with the 'A Minute' lyric contest. Now, four months later and just in time for National HIV Testing Day (today), Common has chosen a winner.

Check out Common's performance of Jose Rivera's winning lyrics in the video below.