Controversial rap newcomer Lil B has won praise from Aids awareness campaigners for encouraging fans to practice safe sex with his new song.

The straight hip-hop star, real name Brandon MCCartney, hit headlines earlier this year (11) when he announced plans to title his album I'm Gay, but now he's going one step further by naming his latest single I Got Aids.

Lil B insists the track is designed to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of unprotected sex and encourage them to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.

In a post on his Twitter.com page, he writes, "Aids AWARENESS SONG PLEASE LISTEN OPEN YOUR HEART".

And the rapper's unlikely activism efforts have earned him respect from writers at Hiv Plus magazine.

A blog post on the publication's website reads: "The song, I Got Aids, is a '90s style throwback - think Tupac meets Tlc - but the message is straightforward, refreshingly non-homophobic, and sure to hit at the heart of young hip hop listeners who are among those most likely to get diagnosed with Hiv this year."