Moved by stories of the hardships people are experiencing during the economic downturn, the Grammy-winning hip-hop artist asked fans to submit a 300-word essay explaining why they deserved a car.

Needless to say the response was overwhelming, with approximately 4,000 people submitting their stories to TheLudacrisFoundation.org, the Web site for an organization the rapper founded in 2001 to “show young people they are the architects of their future” and “connect with our youth to build stronger families and communities.”

Working with a suburban Atlanta car dealership, Ludacris chose 20 entrants and gave each of them a used vehicle and free gas for 30 days. Winners were responsible for tags, registration, tax and insurance.

The rapper said the tale of a Sudanese immigrant who moved to the U.S. six years ago after his mother, father and five brothers were killed only to have a drunk driver take his son’s life a few years later particularly moved him.

“[Mading Duor’s] story touched my heart,” Ludacris explained. “He’s endured so much in his life and he’s still here standing. I’m very proud to have helped him.”

Other winners included Crystal Beauford, a 26-year-old single mother who previously rode the bus to two jobs and college but is now the owner of a Saturn Ion.

“This is going to help me out so much,” Beauford said. “It’s a blessing.”

For more info on the Ludacris Foundation and its mission visit TheLudacrisFoundation.org.