One of hip-hop's self-styled gangsta stars has been telling it like it is at an award's show in the US…but not in the way his image might suggest.

It turns out that Philadelphia rapper Beanie Sigel has actually got a heart of gold, as he challenged all musicians and music executives in and out of the R&B Foundation Pioneer Award After Party to donate to the foundation, which helps R&B artists from bygone days.

Beanie Sigel showed that he wasn't just all talk and no action either. He emptied his pockets and contributed $3,200 to one of the foundation's financial assistance programmes.

Producers Andre Harris and Vidal Davis joined Sigel and threw $6,400 into the hat for a total of $ 9,600.

So what prompted the east coast hard - man to make the generous gift?

"I was humbled by the experience of tonight's awards ceremony," he explained.

"I never realized who these artists were or the history and importance of their contributions to music. Tonight also showed everyone the impact the work of the R&B Foundation has on the artists.

"I am moved to do something. I also issue a challenge to all my musical peers to step up and follow our lead."

Kayte Connelly, executive director of the foundation, expressed her thanks to the rapper.

"Mr Sigel's actions were a tremendous surprise! The foundation is very grateful to Mr Sigel, Mr Harris and Mr Davis for their generosity and the challenge that they issued to their peers.

"Their donations will go directly into the Doc Pomus Financial Assistance Program which provides emergency financial assistance to rhythm & blues artists."

The programme provides emergency financial assistance to rhythm and blues artists for medications, wheelchairs, dental work, eyeglasses, hearing aids, musical instruments, housing, food needs, funeral and other expenses.

Beanie Sigel has, up until now, cultivated a hard man of hip-hop image for himself, beginning a rapidly rising career with his appearance on one of underground rapper DJ Clue's mix tapes, followed by cameos on Jay-Z's Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life.

His 2000 release The Truth featured contributions from Jay-Z.

The rapper was then arrested in 2003 on federal weapon and drug charges stemming from a police chase where Sigel allegedly tossed a loaded handgun.