- Alex Palmer

David Banner and MC Lyte are lending their hip-hop skills to a KFC song contest. The rappers will help to select the winners of KFC’s "Hitmaker" contest, which launched this month. It invites aspiring artists to submit songs that offer a positive message for a shot at prizes and national exposure.

Now in its third year, the contest is part of KFC’s "Pride 360" initiative that encourages positive work in the community. Lyte and Banner will help select winning songs based in part on how well they address themes such as family, heritage and community.

“I look forward to showcasing artists who can use their skill on the microphone to talk about things that are really important,” said MC Lyte in a statement.

The songs will be posted to the "Hitmaker" website, www.kfchitmaker.com, where visitors can listen to them and vote for their top choices. Fans can also download the songs as ringtones, with all profits from downloads going to Banner’s own Heal the Hood Foundation, which provides support to the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 

Once selected, 12 winners will have their songs featured on the Pride 360 compilation CD, and a grand prize winner will receive a “Hitmaker recording studio,” including a MacBook Pro, Logic Studio software and speaker system.

“One thing I love to do is help young musicians find their way to shine in the music business,” said Banner in a statement. “That’s why I’m proud to be part of the KFC ‘Hitmaker’ contest.”