Screaming fans, multi-platinum album sales and sold-out tours might serve as validation for some hip-hop artists. But giving back to the communities they came from is often cited by these rappers as the most fulfilling part of their illustrious careers.

While there are numerous celebs, in hip-hop and elsewhere, who give back to the community in quiet and humble ways, there are others whose generous acts don’t slip through the cracks of the PR cycle. Here we’ve compiled a list of hip-hop’s movers and shakers who have utilized their talent, passion and energy to give back to their communities.--Written and compiled by Kimberly Brown (@Kbbrown80)

MC Lyte
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MC Lyte
Lyte first entered the industry in 1988 with her first album, Lyte as a Rock, and since making her debut she’s utilized her gifts as a DJ, actress and voice-over star. Aside from her contirbutions to the entertainment world, Lyte founded the Hip Hop Sisters Network, a nonprofit organization that promotes positive images of women of ethnic diversity by connecting the worlds of hip-hop entertainment and corporate America. Some of the group’s celeb board members include Cheryl “Salt” James from Salt-N-Pepa and Russell Simmons.

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Common
The rapper/author/actor/philanthropist not only wears the crown as the king of conscious hip-hop but also dons a passionate heart for connecting with communities and touching thousands of lives. The Common Ground Foundation uses the arts to expose young people to new opportunities. In addition, the foundation has developed education initiatives such as Common’s Dreamers & Believers Summer Youth Camp, as well as a mentoring program for students attending public schools in Chicago. However, Common does not limit his outreach to just his hometown: He’s partnered with national campaigns for Coca-Cola and frequently makes appearances speaking to students throughout the U.S.

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Ludacris
Since 2001, The Ludacris Foundation has been encouraging youth and adults to promote independence and self-esteem through education and community events. Truly a man passionate about the well-being of others, Luda has extended his reach to various schools and universities through his charitable efforts and public appearances. In addition, Ludacris frequently partners with other nonprofits to touch the lives of others, recently hooking up with CAMMOS Mission One Voice to recognize the hard work and sacrifice of our troops.

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T.I.
In 2009, TIP appeared on the MTV series T.I.’s Road to Redemption and promoted himself as a voice of reason to encourage teens to avoid leading a life of crime. With the past behind him, T.I. continues to spread love by giving away free toys in Georgia and performing free concerts in Memphis. The artist/activist also regularly hosts charity events during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays through The K.I.N.G. Foundation, which he founded.

3. Ice Cube
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Ice Cube
While he started out as one of the members of the controversial and ground-breaking N.W.A., throughout his career Ice Cube has transitioned from hard-hitting rapper to multi-talented film star with behind-the-camera skills to match. His fan base extended to an even younger audience when he contributed his talents in the making of the films Are We There Yet?! and Are We Done Yet?! The budding filmmaker has committed to producing content that is family-oriented and child-friendly.

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Big Boi
Big Boi stepped in the hip-hop game as the other half of the uniquely blended, Grammy-winning rap duo Outkast. His creative, think-outside-the-box approach has propelled his career to another level as he also serves as the inspiration for the Big Kidz Foundation, whose mission is to inspire youth to do everything “Big.”

diddy
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Diddy
The hip-hop mogul has built an incredible empire in recent years but has always acknowledged the importance of giving back. From handing a homeless man on the street $20 to donating $100,000 to help fund young urban entrepreneurs’ ideas, Mr. Combs is a supporter of many causes. Diddy is an avid proponent of various foundations such as Children’s Hope Foundation as well as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. One of his most notable philanthropic efforts was when he raised over $2 million for HIV/AIDS by running the 2003 NYC Marathon.

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Pharrell Williams
Pharrell, who recently turned 40, has built an impressive portfolio by not only producing for music’s biggest stars but also putting out solo material. Williams has also established From One Hand To Another (FOHTA), a nonprofit foundation that supports the Pharrell Williams Resource Centers (PWRC), learning programs developed to assist underserved youth between the ages of 7 and 20 in at-risk communities throughout the country.

2 Live Crew
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Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell
Uncle Luke is a former member of the ’90s hip-hop group 2 Live Crew, who were nationally known for their sexually charged songs. However, Mr. Campbell eventually shed his “get it, get it” image and has recently partnered with b condoms, a premium condom brand with a social mission to donate condoms to nonprofit organizations in Miami. The brand’s mission is to reduce the percentage of teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted infections that affect underserved communities in Miami.

The Game "My Life" LAX (2008)
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Game
Underneath a canvas of tattoos and a hardcore persona, Game has been spotted over the past few years in his hometown of Compton with a smile, distributing everything from toys to turkeys during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. On a few occasions, Game was joined by other hip-hop artists such as Nicki Minaj, Tyga and Young Jeezy.

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