Nicki Minaj, Ricky Martin Team Up to Fight HIV/AIDS


She’s known for her daring outfits and, most recently, a show-stealing performance at this year's Grammy Awards featuring her alter-ego, "Roman."  He’s known as a Latin heartthrob who is preparing to make a big return to the Broadway stage.

But now Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin, two of music’s biggest superstars, will be known for something more, their commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS.

The two musicians are the latest celebrities to take part in the MAC Cosmetics VIVA GLAM campaign to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS among young people, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

The cause is close to both of their hearts, the pair revealed today on "Good Morning America."  

Martin was born in Puerto Rico and got his start in the music business there as part of the teen singing group Menudo.  Minaj was born in Trinidad and Tobago and her uncle died of an AIDS-related illness.

"It's important for people from the islands to understand that it's not something that should only be discussed in America," Minaj said on "GMA."  "This is something that is killing a lot of young black woman so, for me, that's why it hits home."

"This is something that kills everyone," Minaj said of the disease.

MAC has released a VIVA GLAM Nicki pink lipstick in honor of Minaj, while Martin is the inspiration behind a new VIVA GLAM Lip Conditioner.  100 percent of the proceeds from the purchase of the items will go directly to support activities raising awareness of HIV/AIDs in Latin America, the stars said.

"Sometimes we just want to help and we don't know what to do," Martin said.  "You can go and buy it [the conditioner].  Every penny will go to the campaign."

Minaj and Martin join a long line of celebrities with their own MAC lines, including Cyndi Lauper, Elton John, Christina Aguilera and Mary J. Blige.  Lady Gaga served as the fund's spokeswoman for the past two years.

The MAC AIDS Fund has raised more than $235 million to support HIV/AIDS programs around the world since its inception in 1994, according to the company. 

For more information on the MAC AIDS Fund visit http://www.macaidsfund.org.

To purchase Minaj's lipstick or Martin's lip conditioner, visit http://www.maccosmetics.com.