“It’s for a good cause,” the popular saying goes, and perhaps nowhere else is that saying more applicable in the world of music than the “Red Hot” benefit compilation series.

The Red Hot Organization, an international non-profit organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through popular culture, began producing and releasing benefit compilations in 1990 with “Red Hot and Blue,” a release featuring big name artists ranging from Sinead O’Connor to U2, all covering the songs of Cole Porter.

In an attempt to both educate and entertain, the organization has produced 14 albums and related television programs, allowing for the organization to donate seven million dollars to charities around the world, with revenues from the compilation’s sale used for HIV and AIDS prevention and relief in each foreign country it is sold.

“Red Hot and Riot: The Music and Spirit of Fela Kuti,” the latest release in the series, brings contemporary rap and soul stars together on 20 tracks, ranging from the Dead Prez and Common to Sade in an all-star tribute to the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, a human rights activist and a casualty to AIDS-related complications in 1997.

According to Jeff Jackson, The Red Hot Organization’s production manager, the compilation should not exclude those unfamiliar with Fela’s work.

“The music goes beyond being a fan of Fela,” Jackson stressed. “It is a really great collection of artists getting together to support a very important cause.”

Fela’s fight began in the 1970s when he and his band, Africa 70, created, in his words, a new political-based sound,”Afrobeat,” that, along with his staunch criticism of Nigeria’s military dictatorship, landed him in jail several times and later would serve as an inspiration to an ensuing generation of politically conscious rappers.

Most of the tracks on “Red Hot and Riot” feature original Africa 70 drummer and arranger Tony Allen’s beats, and one track in particular, “Water No Get Enemy” features Fela’s son Femi Kuti, along with current neo-soul stars D’ Angelo and Macy Gray.

Though The Red Hot Organization has garnered help from many high-profile celebrities, gathering musicians can be a challenge for the organization, which employs only five people.

“Sometimes people are very excited to become involved, but have previous commitments that keep them from donating their time and talent,” Jackson said. “With that said, we have still amassed an amazing roster of artists who have contributed to the 14 albums we’ve done so far.”

Junior undecided major Marcia Williams and senior business major Tim Thomas weighed in with their opinions on Fela and the latest compilation.

“I’m not familiar with his music,” Williams said. “But the compilation is an impressing collection of artists that will no doubt give me a first-hand education on Fela.”

Thomas also is looking forward to listening to the album.

“Without James Brown and Fela, hip-hop wouldn’t exist today as we know it,” he said. “I definitely plan on checking it out.”