It gets cold this time of year. And while it's always a good thing to help the homeless anytime, it makes a lot of sense to reach out as winter draws nigh.

That's the spirit behind the "Hip Hop for the Homeless" benefit taking place Sunday in New London's Oasis Pub. The show is actually one of seven such benefits that started Wednesday and will take place across Connecticut in the next several days.

Organized by Hartford rapper Joey Batts, the "Hip Hop for the Homeless" shows are also scheduled in Hartford, West Hartford, Simsbury, Bridgeport and Middletown.

Lineups for the benefits feature talent from each respective scene. In New London, along with Batts, ChumZilla, N.M.E. The Illest, Bobby Flow, Stryfe, Jahan Nostra, Sketch, DNH, Benn Grim, Flowers & Kain, Ceschi Ramos and Glitch Mouth will all perform.

While these events are in and of themselves cool for all the right reasons, a word to the wise: ChumZilla's newest album, "The Earth Man's Curse," comes out in early January. If advance tracks such as "My Odyssey" and "Bring Apocalypse" - with their haunted carnival backing tracks - are any indication, "Curse" should be big fun and you'll get a taste on Sunday.

- RICK KOSTER

Hip Hop for the Homeless, 8 p.m. Sunday, Oasis Pub, 16 Bank St., New London; $5; (860) 447-3929.