MISSION DRIVEN
Our Why
Black Americans carry a disproportionate cancer burden, including the highest mortality rates from most cancers, and slowest time to diagnosis of any other race.
Not only are Black Americans 41% more likely to die from cancer, they top the charts in heart disease, diabetes, and obesity too.
Low health literacy is a big part of the problem.
We're bringing health literacy to the streets
Black Americans need to be empowered with effective health literacy so they can seek the healthcare access and timely intervention they need and deserve.
We aim to educate people in their local communities, with voices they know and trust.
We're eliminating road blocks and barriers to success
Healthcare disparities like lack of insurance, limited access, historical injustices, and implicit racial bias keep many People of Color from seeking essential or even basic medical care.
We're fostering prevention and self-advocacy
We must engage Communities of Color at the grass roots level, and establish collaborative partnerships that will drive health literacy and create lasting change.
THE SOLUTION
Hit the Streets
We’re gearing up to launch a series of block parties in some of America’s largest urban communities and harness the power of hip-hop music and its culture to empower people to seek and receive the healthcare they need and deserve.
Together with community partners, the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation is creating a model to educate and inspire Black Americans in their neighborhoods with a goal of creating measurable and lasting change.
OUR PROGRAMS
Powered by Hip-Hop
LOCAL BLOCK PARTIES
Urban street parties in underserved communities that combine hip-hop culture with trusted experts to empower health literacy
PODCAST SERIES
A series for survivors featuring Grand G and special guests, who've all been touched by serious illness and perservered
PRODUCTION COMPANY
A vehicle to produce and distribute hip-hop collaborations featuring legends and up-and-coming local artists
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Join the Party
VIDEOS
Spittin' Rhymes
Playlist
7:05
3:12
2:57
3:38
5:56
8:38
We are grateful to our homies for supporting our mission and vision
FROM HIP-HOP PIONEER TO HEALTH ADVOCATE. ❤️
Kurtis Blow survived cardiac arrest, multiple surgeries, and ultimately a life-saving heart transplant. Today, his story continues inspiring people to prioritize heart health and wellness.
International Hip Hop Health Day shines a light on stories that encourage prevention, education, and healthier futures.
Still inspiring generations.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #KurtisBlow #HeartHealth #healthhopehiphop
FROM HIP-HOP PIONEER TO HEALTH ADVOCATE. ❤️
Kurtis Blow survived cardiac arrest, multiple surgeries, and ultimately a life-saving heart transplant. Today, his story continues inspiring people to prioritize heart health and wellness.
International Hip Hop Health Day shines a light on stories that encourage prevention, education, and healthier futures.
Still inspiring generations.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #KurtisBlow #HeartHealth #healthhopehiphop
LEGENDS NEVER DIE. ❤️🎤
Today we honor the voices that shaped hip-hop culture and continue inspiring conversations around health, wellness, and community awareness.
🕊️ Big Pun
🕊️ Heavy D
🕊️ Fatman Scoop
🕊️ Trugoy The Dove
🕊️ Prince Markie Dee
International Hip Hop Health Day exists to remind us that our health matters just as much as our legacy.
Protect your heart. Protect your future.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #HeartHealth #healthhopehiphop #TheBeatLivesOn
LEGENDS NEVER DIE. ❤️🎤
Today we honor the voices that shaped hip-hop culture and continue inspiring conversations around health, wellness, and community awareness.
🕊️ Big Pun
🕊️ Heavy D
🕊️ Fatman Scoop
🕊️ Trugoy The Dove
🕊️ Prince Markie Dee
International Hip Hop Health Day exists to remind us that our health matters just as much as our legacy.
Protect your heart. Protect your future.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #HeartHealth #healthhopehiphop #TheBeatLivesOn
SECOND CHANCES CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING. ❤️
After facing advanced congestive heart failure, Kid from Kid ‘N Play received a life-saving heart transplant and turned his journey into a message of hope and awareness.
International Hip Hop Health Day is about inspiring our communities to take action before it’s too late.
Get checked. Know the signs. Protect your heart.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #HeartHealth #healthhopehiphop #OrganDonation
SECOND CHANCES CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING. ❤️
After facing advanced congestive heart failure, Kid from Kid ‘N Play received a life-saving heart transplant and turned his journey into a message of hope and awareness.
International Hip Hop Health Day is about inspiring our communities to take action before it’s too late.
Get checked. Know the signs. Protect your heart.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #HeartHealth #healthhopehiphop #OrganDonation
STILL HERE. STILL FIGHTING. STILL A SURVIVOR. ❤️
Today, we recognize the survivors and stories inspiring our communities to take health seriously. That’s why International Hip Hop Health Day matters.
After surviving COVID complications, organ damage, a kidney transplant, and emergency open-heart surgery, Scarface continues using his journey to encourage others to protect their health and listen to their bodies.
Real strength. Real resilience.
Protect your heart.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #Scarface #HeartHealth #healthhopehiphop
STILL HERE. STILL FIGHTING. STILL A SURVIVOR. ❤️
Today, we recognize the survivors and stories inspiring our communities to take health seriously. That’s why International Hip Hop Health Day matters.
After surviving COVID complications, organ damage, a kidney transplant, and emergency open-heart surgery, Scarface continues using his journey to encourage others to protect their health and listen to their bodies.
Real strength. Real resilience.
Protect your heart.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #Scarface #HeartHealth #healthhopehiphop
LIVING PROOF OF RESILIENCE. ❤️🎤
Today, we recognize the survivors and the stories that inspire our communities. That’s why International Hip Hop Health Day matters.
After surviving congestive heart failure, emergency open-heart surgery, cancer, pneumonia, and COVID-19, Spliff Starr fought his way back to the stage and continues inspiring the culture.
Real strength. Real inspiration.
Protect your heart. Take your health seriously.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #SpliffStarr #HealthHopeHiphop #HeartHealth #IHHHD
LIVING PROOF OF RESILIENCE. ❤️🎤
Today, we recognize the survivors and the stories that inspire our communities. That’s why International Hip Hop Health Day matters.
After surviving congestive heart failure, emergency open-heart surgery, cancer, pneumonia, and COVID-19, Spliff Starr fought his way back to the stage and continues inspiring the culture.
Real strength. Real inspiration.
Protect your heart. Take your health seriously.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #SpliffStarr #HealthHopeHiphop #HeartHealth #IHHHD
🎥🔥“Life Ain’t A Game” 🎤❤️🩹
Every line in this song speaks for somebody fighting through:
💸 Treatment costs
🚫 Insurance struggles
❤️ Health battles
🙏🏾 Pain nobody sees
This is bigger than music…
This is REAL LIFE ✊🏾
🎥 Full video coming soon 👀🔥
Want the EXCLUSIVE preview before it drops?
DM or Comment “LAAG”
Mixed: @youngguru763
🎬 @backspinz & @grand_geee
🎤 @akilzamari
🎶 @beatsby_jt
🎥 @serenity_skyy & @nikoleeno
BTS @704_studios
Edits @4kvisionsmedia
#LifeAintAGame #healthhopehiphop #HHHHFoundation #HealthEquity #HipHopForChange
🎥🔥“Life Ain’t A Game” 🎤❤️🩹
Every line in this song speaks for somebody fighting through:
💸 Treatment costs
🚫 Insurance struggles
❤️ Health battles
🙏🏾 Pain nobody sees
This is bigger than music…
This is REAL LIFE ✊🏾
🎥 Full video coming soon 👀🔥
Want the EXCLUSIVE preview before it drops?
DM or Comment “LAAG”
Mixed: @youngguru763
🎬 @backspinz & @grand_geee
🎤 @akilzamari
🎶 @beatsby_jt
🎥 @serenity_skyy & @nikoleeno
BTS @704_studios
Edits @4kvisionsmedia
#LifeAintAGame #healthhopehiphop #HHHHFoundation #HealthEquity #HipHopForChange
🎤❤️ INTERNATIONAL HIP HOP HEALTH DAY — JUNE 17 ❤️🎤
The culture has always moved people.
Now we’re using it to save lives.
This movement is about protecting our hearts, our minds, and our communities through awareness, prevention, and action.
✔️ Know your numbers
✔️ Move every day
✔️ Reduce stress
✔️ Eat better
✔️ Protect your lungs
✔️ Prioritize sleep
✔️ Get checked
Heart health is community health.
Health literacy is power.
And hip hop remains one of the strongest voices for change.
Let’s protect the beat and protect the culture together. ❤️
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #HipHopHealth #HeartHealth #ProtectTheBeat #HealthHopeHipHop
🎤❤️ INTERNATIONAL HIP HOP HEALTH DAY — JUNE 17 ❤️🎤
The culture has always moved people.
Now we’re using it to save lives.
This movement is about protecting our hearts, our minds, and our communities through awareness, prevention, and action.
✔️ Know your numbers
✔️ Move every day
✔️ Reduce stress
✔️ Eat better
✔️ Protect your lungs
✔️ Prioritize sleep
✔️ Get checked
Heart health is community health.
Health literacy is power.
And hip hop remains one of the strongest voices for change.
Let’s protect the beat and protect the culture together. ❤️
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #HipHopHealth #HeartHealth #ProtectTheBeat #HealthHopeHipHop
Today we remember the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸🕊️
At HH&HH, we honor their legacy by continuing the fight for stronger, healthier communities through education, advocacy, culture, and hope.
Take time today to remember.
Take time today to love on your people.
Take time today to prioritize your health.
Respect to all veterans, military families, and fallen heroes. ❤️
— The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation Team
#MemorialDay #HealthHopeHipHop #Veterans #Hope #Heros
Today we remember the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸🕊️
At HH&HH, we honor their legacy by continuing the fight for stronger, healthier communities through education, advocacy, culture, and hope.
Take time today to remember.
Take time today to love on your people.
Take time today to prioritize your health.
Respect to all veterans, military families, and fallen heroes. ❤️
— The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation Team
#MemorialDay #HealthHopeHipHop #Veterans #Hope #Heros
The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of hip-hop legend Rob Base who transitioned after a long battle with cancer.
As one-half of the iconic duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, his music helped shape a generation and brought joy, energy, and unity to people around the world. “It Takes Two” was more than a hit record — it became part of the culture and the soundtrack of countless lives.
Rob Base’s influence on hip-hop and popular culture will never be forgotten. We honor his legacy, his contribution to music, and the impact he made through his artistry.
May God comfort all those who love him during this difficult time.
Rest in Power, Rob Base. 🕊️🎤
#RobBase #HipHopLegend #ItTakesTwo #HHHHFoundation #HealthHopeHipHop
The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of hip-hop legend Rob Base who transitioned after a long battle with cancer.
As one-half of the iconic duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, his music helped shape a generation and brought joy, energy, and unity to people around the world. “It Takes Two” was more than a hit record — it became part of the culture and the soundtrack of countless lives.
Rob Base’s influence on hip-hop and popular culture will never be forgotten. We honor his legacy, his contribution to music, and the impact he made through his artistry.
May God comfort all those who love him during this difficult time.
Rest in Power, Rob Base. 🕊️🎤
#RobBase #HipHopLegend #ItTakesTwo #HHHHFoundation #HealthHopeHipHop
The International Hip Hop Health Day Scholarship
Grand Prize: $1,000
Are you a student who believes in the power of culture to transform community wellness?
In honor of International Hip Hop Health Day (IHHHD), we are searching for the next generation of visionaries ready to bridge the gap between culture and community health.
WHO CAN APPLY?
✔️ High School Seniors preparing for graduation
✔️ Current Students enrolled in a college,
university, seminary, or trade school
✔️ Life-Long Learners taking classes at any
accredited institution
THE CHALLENGE: CREATE YOUR IHHHD CAMPAIGN
Hip Hop is more than music — it’s a tool for survival and success.
Design a social media campaign (video, carousel, or digital art series) that promotes health using the 5 Elements of Hip Hop: MCing, DJing, B-Boying / B-Girling, Graffiti, & Knowledge of Self — Connect history to healthier life choices
HOW TO ENTER
1️⃣ Create your campaign
2️⃣ Post on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or X
3️⃣ Tag using the official hashtags below
⏰ Deadline: June 17 at 11:59 PM
We’re looking for bold, forward-thinking ideas.
Show us how Hip Hop culture can help solve the health challenges of tomorrow with authenticity, clarity, and innovation.
Peace, Love, Unity, and Having Fun… while staying healthy.
🌐 Learn more & apply:
Link in bio or copy https://healthhopehiphop.org/ihhd-event/
#IHHHD #InternationalHipHopHealthDay #HealthHopeHipHop
The International Hip Hop Health Day Scholarship
Grand Prize: $1,000
Are you a student who believes in the power of culture to transform community wellness?
In honor of International Hip Hop Health Day (IHHHD), we are searching for the next generation of visionaries ready to bridge the gap between culture and community health.
WHO CAN APPLY?
✔️ High School Seniors preparing for graduation
✔️ Current Students enrolled in a college,
university, seminary, or trade school
✔️ Life-Long Learners taking classes at any
accredited institution
THE CHALLENGE: CREATE YOUR IHHHD CAMPAIGN
Hip Hop is more than music — it’s a tool for survival and success.
Design a social media campaign (video, carousel, or digital art series) that promotes health using the 5 Elements of Hip Hop: MCing, DJing, B-Boying / B-Girling, Graffiti, & Knowledge of Self — Connect history to healthier life choices
HOW TO ENTER
1️⃣ Create your campaign
2️⃣ Post on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or X
3️⃣ Tag using the official hashtags below
⏰ Deadline: June 17 at 11:59 PM
We’re looking for bold, forward-thinking ideas.
Show us how Hip Hop culture can help solve the health challenges of tomorrow with authenticity, clarity, and innovation.
Peace, Love, Unity, and Having Fun… while staying healthy.
🌐 Learn more & apply:
Link in bio or copy https://healthhopehiphop.org/ihhd-event/
#IHHHD #InternationalHipHopHealthDay #HealthHopeHipHop
What a beautiful afternoon celebrating Linda Dubin Garfield’s 83rd Birthday this past Sunday! 🎉💖
Instead of gifts, Linda asked friends and colleagues to come together with open hearts and support for a meaningful cause. ❤️💵 As a talented painter 🎨 and former guidance counselor, Linda dedicated her special day to raising support for the Last Straw Emergency Fund — a micro fund designed to assist individuals facing financial crisis.
I was especially honored to attend after being introduced to Linda by our Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation Chief Communication Officer, Nicole Duncan-Smith, who shared that Linda was her guidance counselor more than 35 years ago. What a powerful full-circle moment rooted in mentorship, community, and lasting impact. 🙌🏽
Linda showcased and sold her amazing artwork while attendees also made generous donations toward this important initiative. ✨
Huge shoutout to Linda for bringing this vision to life and for trusting the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation to serve as the fiscal sponsor and fund administrator for this impactful work.
It was truly inspiring connecting with everyone who attended. Thank you for the thoughtful conversations, support, and commitment to helping others in times of need. 🤝
Together, we continue building hope through community. 🌟
To donate link in bio
#LastStrawEmergencyFund #CommunityLove #SupportInAction #HopeThroughArt #MakingADifference #HealthHopeHipHop
What a beautiful afternoon celebrating Linda Dubin Garfield’s 83rd Birthday this past Sunday! 🎉💖
Instead of gifts, Linda asked friends and colleagues to come together with open hearts and support for a meaningful cause. ❤️💵 As a talented painter 🎨 and former guidance counselor, Linda dedicated her special day to raising support for the Last Straw Emergency Fund — a micro fund designed to assist individuals facing financial crisis.
I was especially honored to attend after being introduced to Linda by our Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation Chief Communication Officer, Nicole Duncan-Smith, who shared that Linda was her guidance counselor more than 35 years ago. What a powerful full-circle moment rooted in mentorship, community, and lasting impact. 🙌🏽
Linda showcased and sold her amazing artwork while attendees also made generous donations toward this important initiative. ✨
Huge shoutout to Linda for bringing this vision to life and for trusting the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation to serve as the fiscal sponsor and fund administrator for this impactful work.
It was truly inspiring connecting with everyone who attended. Thank you for the thoughtful conversations, support, and commitment to helping others in times of need. 🤝
Together, we continue building hope through community. 🌟
To donate link in bio
#LastStrawEmergencyFund #CommunityLove #SupportInAction #HopeThroughArt #MakingADifference #HealthHopeHipHop
Mental health is health.
And in Hip Hop culture, too many people suffer in silence while carrying the weight of pressure, pain, expectations, trauma, grief, and survival.
Behind the music, the performances, the grind, and the image — real people are fighting battles most never see.
And that includes many of the people reading this right now.
This Mental Health Month, the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation is using the culture to spark conversations that can save lives.
We also want to recognize Shanti Das and her organization, 🖤Silence the Shame, for helping lead important conversations around mental health in Hip Hop, entertainment, and Black communities.
We honor the voices and organizations creating safe spaces for healing:
🖤 The Chris Lighty Foundation
🖤 Steez Day Festival
🖤 Black Men’s Health
🖤 Therapy for Black Girls
🖤 Beats, Rhymes & Life
🖤 NAMI
🖤 The Trevor Project
🖤 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The pressure is real.
But so is the healing.
From anxiety and depression to burnout, grief, addiction, and emotional isolation — mental health challenges impact our communities every single day. Especially in Black and Brown communities, too many people are taught to “push through” instead of reaching out.
We want you to know this:
• It’s OK to not be OK.
• Your voice matters.
• Asking for help is strength — not weakness.
• Healing starts with conversation.
This International Hip Hop Health Day — June 17 — we’re calling on the culture to check on each other, speak openly, and help remove the stigma surrounding mental health.
One day. One movement. Global impact.
If you’re struggling, please reach out.
You are not alone.
Your life matters.
Your story isn’t over.
📞 Call or Text 988 for immediate support.
#MentalHealthMonth #InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #HealthHopeHipHop #MentalHealthAwareness
Mental health is health.
And in Hip Hop culture, too many people suffer in silence while carrying the weight of pressure, pain, expectations, trauma, grief, and survival.
Behind the music, the performances, the grind, and the image — real people are fighting battles most never see.
And that includes many of the people reading this right now.
This Mental Health Month, the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation is using the culture to spark conversations that can save lives.
We also want to recognize Shanti Das and her organization, 🖤Silence the Shame, for helping lead important conversations around mental health in Hip Hop, entertainment, and Black communities.
We honor the voices and organizations creating safe spaces for healing:
🖤 The Chris Lighty Foundation
🖤 Steez Day Festival
🖤 Black Men’s Health
🖤 Therapy for Black Girls
🖤 Beats, Rhymes & Life
🖤 NAMI
🖤 The Trevor Project
🖤 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The pressure is real.
But so is the healing.
From anxiety and depression to burnout, grief, addiction, and emotional isolation — mental health challenges impact our communities every single day. Especially in Black and Brown communities, too many people are taught to “push through” instead of reaching out.
We want you to know this:
• It’s OK to not be OK.
• Your voice matters.
• Asking for help is strength — not weakness.
• Healing starts with conversation.
This International Hip Hop Health Day — June 17 — we’re calling on the culture to check on each other, speak openly, and help remove the stigma surrounding mental health.
One day. One movement. Global impact.
If you’re struggling, please reach out.
You are not alone.
Your life matters.
Your story isn’t over.
📞 Call or Text 988 for immediate support.
#MentalHealthMonth #InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #HealthHopeHipHop #MentalHealthAwareness