Ashanti, Doug E. Fresh contribute tracks to healthy kids album

NEW YORK, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Ashanti, Doug E. Fresh, DMC, Ryan Beatty, Matisyahu and Nils Lofgren have contributed tracks to the album, "Songs for a Healthier America."

Co-produced by Hip Hop Public Health and the Partnership for a Healthier America, the CD is intended to amplify the benefits of healthier child nutritional and exercise choices, a news release said.

The new album features 19 health-themed songs that can be downloaded for free on iTunes.

Partnership for a Healthier America describes itself as an organization that works with the private sector to help end the childhood obesity epidemic.