Black Americans need to Step It Up today to improve our health literacy, and advocate for better care, for ourselves and for everyone. Get Moving. Drink Water. Limit Sugar. Be Mindful. Pick a new healthy habit today.
It’s easy to overlook something as basic as staying hydrated. But trust me, keeping that water game on point is key to living your best life. Whether you’re running errands, working your hustle, or just out here living, water keeps everything moving smoothly.
Whether you’re chasing the kids, the spotlight, or just trying to keep up with life, staying active is your secret weapon; getting your sweat on is essential for keeping your mind sharp, your energy on 100, and your swag on point.
Mindfulness is for anyone who wants to stay sharp, focused, and most importantly, stay in control.
Now, I know we all love a little something sweet now and then, but too much sugar is like that toxic verse in a track—it sounds good at first, but
ICYMI: Artist Ice-T Shined a Light on Myeloma in New York’s Times Square NYC Times Square for an ?International Myeloma Foundation exclusive ?with my partner in myeloma crime @copybycarri The
Recently I attended the BagIt Conference with Michele Nadeem-Baker, a journalist who asked me, “What does World Cancer Day mean to you“? And so I told her, “We live in
Man…. peoples… at the 2023 ASH conference, there was a whole lot of information presented. (I mean a whole lot.) I know our voices matter because patients were sittin’ at
GOD knows I GET TIRED BUT… giving up has never been an option.(DX: Dec 26, 2017 with Multiple Myeloma)
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
🎤🔥 “There’s a million… but when I hear it, I make the ugly face.” 😂
On the latest episode of Hip Hope Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health, hip-hop legend Masta Ace dropped through and answered the question every true hip-hop head loves:
👉🏾 What’s that ONE record that gets you hyped every single time?
His answer?
What’s yours?
Tap in 🔗 in bio
#MastaAce #HipHopCulture #HipHopeHooray #MenTalkinHealth #HealthHopeHipHop
🎤🔥 “There’s a million… but when I hear it, I make the ugly face.” 😂
On the latest episode of Hip Hope Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health, hip-hop legend Masta Ace dropped through and answered the question every true hip-hop head loves:
👉🏾 What’s that ONE record that gets you hyped every single time?
His answer?
What’s yours?
Tap in 🔗 in bio
#MastaAce #HipHopCulture #HipHopeHooray #MenTalkinHealth #HealthHopeHipHop
What happens when a hip-hop legend faces a life-changing diagnosis… and keeps it a secret for over a decade?
In this powerful episode, Master Ace opens up about living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—from the early symptoms to collapsing on stage, to ultimately finding purpose through music, mindset, and discipline.
This isn’t just a health story.This is about resilience, identity, and taking control of your life.
🎧 Tap in and hear how Ace turned pain into purpose.
🔗 Link in bio to watch or listen.
#HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopeHoorayPodcast #MasterAce #MultipleSclerosis #MSAwareness
What happens when a hip-hop legend faces a life-changing diagnosis… and keeps it a secret for over a decade?
In this powerful episode, Master Ace opens up about living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—from the early symptoms to collapsing on stage, to ultimately finding purpose through music, mindset, and discipline.
This isn’t just a health story.This is about resilience, identity, and taking control of your life.
🎧 Tap in and hear how Ace turned pain into purpose.
🔗 Link in bio to watch or listen.
#HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopeHoorayPodcast #MasterAce #MultipleSclerosis #MSAwareness
This Mother’s Day, we aren’t just celebrating motherhood—we’re sounding the alarm on the Black Maternal Health Crisis.
At the Health, Hope & Hip Hop Foundation, we believe the culture that raised us has the power to save us. In honor of International Hip Hop Health Day (June 17), we’re lifting up four women whose stories remind us that even the biggest stars aren’t immune to a system that fails Black mothers.
💖 Beyoncé – Reminds us that wealth doesn’t shield you from preeclampsia.
💖 Teyana Taylor – Showed us the reality of cholestasis and a harrowing high-risk delivery.
💖 Shamony Makeba Gibson – We say her name. Lost to a preventable pulmonary embolism 13 days postpartum, her legacy fuels our fight for birth equity.
Black women are 3× more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This Mother’s Day, we honor these mothers by demanding better.
Join the movement:
1️⃣ Listen when Black mothers say something feels wrong.
2️⃣ Advocate for birth equity and specialized care.
3️⃣ Join us June 17 for International Hip Hop Health Day.
Hip Hop has always been about survival. Now, it’s about making sure our mothers thrive. 🕊️💗
#HealthHopeHipHop #MothersDay #InternationalHipHopHealthDay #MaternalHealth #BirthEquity
This Mother’s Day, we aren’t just celebrating motherhood—we’re sounding the alarm on the Black Maternal Health Crisis.
At the Health, Hope & Hip Hop Foundation, we believe the culture that raised us has the power to save us. In honor of International Hip Hop Health Day (June 17), we’re lifting up four women whose stories remind us that even the biggest stars aren’t immune to a system that fails Black mothers.
💖 Beyoncé – Reminds us that wealth doesn’t shield you from preeclampsia.
💖 Teyana Taylor – Showed us the reality of cholestasis and a harrowing high-risk delivery.
💖 Shamony Makeba Gibson – We say her name. Lost to a preventable pulmonary embolism 13 days postpartum, her legacy fuels our fight for birth equity.
Black women are 3× more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This Mother’s Day, we honor these mothers by demanding better.
Join the movement:
1️⃣ Listen when Black mothers say something feels wrong.
2️⃣ Advocate for birth equity and specialized care.
3️⃣ Join us June 17 for International Hip Hop Health Day.
Hip Hop has always been about survival. Now, it’s about making sure our mothers thrive. 🕊️💗
#HealthHopeHipHop #MothersDay #InternationalHipHopHealthDay #MaternalHealth #BirthEquity
He kept it hidden for over a decade…
This Monday, hip-hop legend Master Ace opens up about living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—from early symptoms to performing through it all, and why he finally chose to speak out.
This is bigger than music.
This is about resilience, health, and taking control of your story.
🎙️ New Episode Drops:
🗓 Monday, May 11
⏰ 10:00 AM
🔗 Watch or listen — link in bio
#HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopeHoorayPodcast #MasterAce #MultipleSclerosis #MSAwareness
He kept it hidden for over a decade…
This Monday, hip-hop legend Master Ace opens up about living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—from early symptoms to performing through it all, and why he finally chose to speak out.
This is bigger than music.
This is about resilience, health, and taking control of your story.
🎙️ New Episode Drops:
🗓 Monday, May 11
⏰ 10:00 AM
🔗 Watch or listen — link in bio
#HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopeHoorayPodcast #MasterAce #MultipleSclerosis #MSAwareness
"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14
“I really need to talk to you Lord
Since the last time we talked, the walk has been hard
Now I know you haven`t left me, but I feel like I`m alone
I`ma a big boy now, but I`m still not grown
And I`m still goin` through it, pain and the hurt
Soakin` up trouble like rain in the dirt (Yeah!)
And I know, only I can stop the rain With just the mention of my savior`s name, in the name of Jesus." ~ DMX
The Health, Hope & Hip Hop Foundation and all supporting International Hip Hop Health Day are honored to recognize the National Day of Prayer. We believe that true wellness isn`t just physical—it’s emotional, civic, social, and spiritual. When we lift each other up in faith and intention, we strengthen the health of our people as a whole.
Together, we pray for healing, unity, and a brighter future for all. 🙏🏾🏽💪🏾
#HealthHopeHipHop #NationalDayOfPrayer #CommunityWellness #HolisticHealth #FaithAndAction
"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14
“I really need to talk to you Lord
Since the last time we talked, the walk has been hard
Now I know you haven`t left me, but I feel like I`m alone
I`ma a big boy now, but I`m still not grown
And I`m still goin` through it, pain and the hurt
Soakin` up trouble like rain in the dirt (Yeah!)
And I know, only I can stop the rain With just the mention of my savior`s name, in the name of Jesus." ~ DMX
The Health, Hope & Hip Hop Foundation and all supporting International Hip Hop Health Day are honored to recognize the National Day of Prayer. We believe that true wellness isn`t just physical—it’s emotional, civic, social, and spiritual. When we lift each other up in faith and intention, we strengthen the health of our people as a whole.
Together, we pray for healing, unity, and a brighter future for all. 🙏🏾🏽💪🏾
#HealthHopeHipHop #NationalDayOfPrayer #CommunityWellness #HolisticHealth #FaithAndAction
Vision is power.
Not just the vision for your future — but the health of your eyes today.
In Hip Hop, we talk about seeing opportunities, watching our surroundings, and staying focused on the next move. But too many in our communities skip routine eye exams, ignore warning signs, or wait until a problem becomes a crisis.
We’ve seen powerful examples in the culture.
Slick Rick lost sight in one eye as a child and turned it into his signature style — proving confidence can transform difference into originality.
Fetty Wap was born with glaucoma and chose visibility over hiding, reminding a generation that early screening matters.
And DJ Touchtone, blind since birth, continues to master the turntables — showing the world that talent doesn’t depend on sight, but access and opportunity.
Their stories are not just about resilience.
They are reminders that prevention, care, and support make all the difference.
This International Hip Hop Health Day — June 17, we’re reminding the culture:
• Protect your sight. Protect your rights. Protect
your future.
• Take a moment to schedule that eye exam.
Encourage someone you love to do the same.
Because prevention is power — and vision is freedom.
#IHHHD | #InternationalHipHopHealthDay | #HealthHopeHipHop
Vision is power.
Not just the vision for your future — but the health of your eyes today.
In Hip Hop, we talk about seeing opportunities, watching our surroundings, and staying focused on the next move. But too many in our communities skip routine eye exams, ignore warning signs, or wait until a problem becomes a crisis.
We’ve seen powerful examples in the culture.
Slick Rick lost sight in one eye as a child and turned it into his signature style — proving confidence can transform difference into originality.
Fetty Wap was born with glaucoma and chose visibility over hiding, reminding a generation that early screening matters.
And DJ Touchtone, blind since birth, continues to master the turntables — showing the world that talent doesn’t depend on sight, but access and opportunity.
Their stories are not just about resilience.
They are reminders that prevention, care, and support make all the difference.
This International Hip Hop Health Day — June 17, we’re reminding the culture:
• Protect your sight. Protect your rights. Protect
your future.
• Take a moment to schedule that eye exam.
Encourage someone you love to do the same.
Because prevention is power — and vision is freedom.
#IHHHD | #InternationalHipHopHealthDay | #HealthHopeHipHop
🚨 THIS IS BIG 🚨
We’re not just part of something…
We’re helping BUILD IT.
The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation is proud to be at the forefront of launching
INTERNATIONAL HIP HOP HEALTH DAY (IHHHD) 🌍🎤❤️
This is a GLOBAL MOVEMENT powered by culture, driven by purpose, and focused on HEALTH.
From day one, we’ve believed Hip-Hop could save lives…
Now we’re taking that belief worldwide.
We’re calling on organizations, advocates, and the community to TAP IN and be part of this coalition.
👉🏾 Learn more & join us here or 🔗 in bio: healthhopehiphop.org/ihhd-event/
This is what happens when Hip-Hop meets health.
This is what happens when we move with purpose.
🎶 Health. Hope. Hip-Hop. Spread the word!
#IHHHD #HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopHealth #GlobalMovement #CultureForChange
🚨 THIS IS BIG 🚨
We’re not just part of something…
We’re helping BUILD IT.
The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation is proud to be at the forefront of launching
INTERNATIONAL HIP HOP HEALTH DAY (IHHHD) 🌍🎤❤️
This is a GLOBAL MOVEMENT powered by culture, driven by purpose, and focused on HEALTH.
From day one, we’ve believed Hip-Hop could save lives…
Now we’re taking that belief worldwide.
We’re calling on organizations, advocates, and the community to TAP IN and be part of this coalition.
👉🏾 Learn more & join us here or 🔗 in bio: healthhopehiphop.org/ihhd-event/
This is what happens when Hip-Hop meets health.
This is what happens when we move with purpose.
🎶 Health. Hope. Hip-Hop. Spread the word!
#IHHHD #HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopHealth #GlobalMovement #CultureForChange
Three-way call. 📲
Doctor`s nurse on hold. 🤫
"Honey, somebody wants to talk to you." 😇
SIR — get to the ER RIGHT NOW. 🏥
He said he had a busy day. 😑
She said... we`ll see about that. 💅🏾
That`s how the Freeman Williams Corporation got started. 💼🔥
▶️ Watch this clip from the latest episode 👇🏾
New episode LIVE now. 🎙️ Full links in bio. Go tap in. 🎧
Don`t let pride stand in the way of prevention brothers. 💙🙏🏾
💙 #hiphopehooray #healthhopehiphop #MultipleMyeloma #CarePartner #MenTalkinHealth
Three-way call. 📲
Doctor`s nurse on hold. 🤫
"Honey, somebody wants to talk to you." 😇
SIR — get to the ER RIGHT NOW. 🏥
He said he had a busy day. 😑
She said... we`ll see about that. 💅🏾
That`s how the Freeman Williams Corporation got started. 💼🔥
▶️ Watch this clip from the latest episode 👇🏾
New episode LIVE now. 🎙️ Full links in bio. Go tap in. 🎧
Don`t let pride stand in the way of prevention brothers. 💙🙏🏾
💙 #hiphopehooray #healthhopehiphop #MultipleMyeloma #CarePartner #MenTalkinHealth
🎉🏆 HIP HOPE BINGO WINNER 🏆🎉
Big congrats to Tiffany Matthews (and hubby Brad 😎) for taking home the GRAND PRIZE at the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball!
✈️ TWO First-Class Tickets
🌍 Anywhere Avelo Airlines flies
🔥 All from knowing your hip-hop classics!
Winning tracks included:
🎶 UNITY
🎶 Me, Myself & I
🎶 Award Tour
🎶 Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See
Tiffany said the night felt like “community, love, and inspiration”… and that’s exactly the vibe 💙
👀 Destination reveal coming soon??? (Puerto Rico might be calling 🌴)
Huge shoutout to @AveloAir for showing love 2 years in a row!
This is what happens when HIP-HOP meets PURPOSE 💯
#HipHopeBall26 #HipHopeBingo #HealthHopeHipHop #Winner #HipHopCulture #PurposeDriven #TravelGoals
🎉🏆 HIP HOPE BINGO WINNER 🏆🎉
Big congrats to Tiffany Matthews (and hubby Brad 😎) for taking home the GRAND PRIZE at the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball!
✈️ TWO First-Class Tickets
🌍 Anywhere Avelo Airlines flies
🔥 All from knowing your hip-hop classics!
Winning tracks included:
🎶 UNITY
🎶 Me, Myself & I
🎶 Award Tour
🎶 Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See
Tiffany said the night felt like “community, love, and inspiration”… and that’s exactly the vibe 💙
👀 Destination reveal coming soon??? (Puerto Rico might be calling 🌴)
Huge shoutout to @AveloAir for showing love 2 years in a row!
This is what happens when HIP-HOP meets PURPOSE 💯
#HipHopeBall26 #HipHopeBingo #HealthHopeHipHop #Winner #HipHopCulture #PurposeDriven #TravelGoals
✨ Gratitude. Impact. Purpose. ✨
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our incredible sponsors:
@pfizer @jnjinnovativemedicine @bristolmyerssquibb @sanofi and @dartfirststateofficial 💙
Your support of the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball made it possible to bring together culture, community, and a shared commitment to better health outcomes.
To our pharma partners—thank you for leading the way in innovation and patient care.
To DART—thank you for helping move our community forward and making connection possible.
This is what it looks like when purpose meets partnership 🙌🏾
#HipHopeBall26 #healthhopehiphop #HealthEquity #HipHopForHealth #ThankYou CommunityStrong
✨ Gratitude. Impact. Purpose. ✨
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our incredible sponsors:
@pfizer @jnjinnovativemedicine @bristolmyerssquibb @sanofi and @dartfirststateofficial 💙
Your support of the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball made it possible to bring together culture, community, and a shared commitment to better health outcomes.
To our pharma partners—thank you for leading the way in innovation and patient care.
To DART—thank you for helping move our community forward and making connection possible.
This is what it looks like when purpose meets partnership 🙌🏾
#HipHopeBall26 #healthhopehiphop #HealthEquity #HipHopForHealth #ThankYou CommunityStrong
