IT’S PERSONAL
Our Team
Founded by Oya Gilbert in 2024 and inspired by his personal Multiple Myeloma journey, the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation is powered by a small and passionate team — and growing bigger every day.
Meet Oya Gilbert
Oya Gilbert
FOUNDER | CEO
Oya is a podcaster, a father of three, and a notable artist in the Delaware hip-hop community. Known as “Grand G,” he came up hard, spittin’ rhymes in the streets of Wilmington, which led to a record deal and numerous song releases.
In 2017 he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. Since his stem cell transplant in 2018, he continues learning to live with the ever-changing reminders of the cancer and subsequent daily dose of chemo.
But he’s also turned his pain into power. Thanks to the invaluable support he’s received from the staff and patients in his stem cell support group, Oya was moved to take things a step further. By partnering with the International Myeloma Foundation, he’s leading a new Multiple Myeloma support group in Hagerstown, MD.
His group welcomes patients and their caregivers in southern PA, northern MD, and northern WV. He’s also partnered with well-known names like Pfizer and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help spread awareness in the black and brown communities and educate those living in underserved and undereducated areas.
Angela Valentine
Angela brings 25 years of advanced knowledge of healthcare and revenue cycles. Her healthcare career began as a phlebotomist, and then working in family practice.
Angela advanced to high dollar commercial insurance follow-up and became a Revenue Cycle Analyst for one of the largest Women’s Health organization in Oregon and then Revenue Cycle Director for the largest non-profit sexual and reproductive rights organizations in Oregon & SW Washington before starting her own Healthcare Consultancy in 2022.
Nicole Ducan-Smith
Rev. Nicole Duncan-Smith is a dedicated bi-vocational minister whose theology is firmly rooted in the Baptist tradition and Hip-Hop culture. Embracing inclusivity akin to Jesus’ universal love, she employs contemporary pop culture and technology to illuminate the path to spiritual enlightenment.
Founder of The Sunday School Dropout, Rev. Nikki, as she is affectionately called, champions a ministry dedicated to hearing personal faith testimonies, nurturing biblical literacy, and providing sanctuary for those who seek God outside traditional church settings.
Originally from West Philadelphia, she seamlessly integrates the dynamic influences of Hip-Hop into her spiritual practice, reflecting her upbringing immersed in its rich cultural tapestry.
In addition to her pastoral duties, Rev. Nikki has made significant contributions as an editor and writer for a diverse array of publications, including AtlantaBlackStar.com, OprahDaily.com, theGrio.com, BET.com, AllHipHop.com, Rap Pages, Vibe Magazine, The Source, Christian Science Monitor, among others.
Her career includes pivotal roles at various record labels, distribution companies, and entertainment firms, working alongside industry luminaries like Sheri Riley, Russell Simmons, Steve Stoute, and L. Londell McMillian.
Over the last five years, she has served as the Director of Corporate Communications for the Ultimate Rap League and has sat on the Advisory Board of The Hip Hop Museum on its Artist Relations Committee.
Recently, she accepted a role as Special Assistant to the CEO of The Hip Hop Museum, Rocky Bucano, a position that also allows her to serve as the Director of Special Projects.
An accomplished author and lecturer, Rev. Nikki holds degrees from Spelman College and New York Theological Seminary. Her scholarly pursuits have taken her to lecture halls at Princeton Seminary, Drexel University, Virginia Tech, New York Theological Seminary, Spelman College, and globally in Nigeria and Japan, where she explores the intersection of religion, rap music, and cultural studies.
Her spiritual journey began at Resurrection Baptist Church under the guidance of Reverend Dr. C.L. Amaker and her grandparents, Deacon James Tindal and Deaconess Lucille Tindal, shaping her profound connection to faith and community.
Rev. Nicole Duncan-Smith’s ministry starts at home, where her chief ministry is as wife to Gregory Smith, Jr., and mother to actor and physicist, Eden Duncan-Smith.
Our Board of Directors
Our Homies
QUEEN ENERGY 👑🔥
We’re proud to announce that Chandra G. Pitts is this year’s female recipient of the Staple of the Streets Award, presented by the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation at the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball!
Founder. Visionary. Global advocate.
President & CEO of One Village Alliance.
From empowering girls through Girls Can Do Anything!
To elevating boys through Raising Kings
To expanding impact into 240 schools across West Africa
To leading Delaware’s only community-based urban wellness center…
She builds legacy.
Youngest inductee into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame, Businesswoman of the Year, UN Honoree, NAACP Award recipient and Afro-Latina History Maker.
On March 14, 2026, we celebrate a true Staple of the Streets.
#HipHopeBall #StapleOfTheStreets #HealthHopeHipHop #WomenInLeadership #CultureWithPurpose
QUEEN ENERGY 👑🔥
We’re proud to announce that Chandra G. Pitts is this year’s female recipient of the Staple of the Streets Award, presented by the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation at the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball!
Founder. Visionary. Global advocate.
President & CEO of One Village Alliance.
From empowering girls through Girls Can Do Anything!
To elevating boys through Raising Kings
To expanding impact into 240 schools across West Africa
To leading Delaware’s only community-based urban wellness center…
She builds legacy.
Youngest inductee into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame, Businesswoman of the Year, UN Honoree, NAACP Award recipient and Afro-Latina History Maker.
On March 14, 2026, we celebrate a true Staple of the Streets.
#HipHopeBall #StapleOfTheStreets #HealthHopeHipHop #WomenInLeadership #CultureWithPurpose
@officialbigdaddykane we can’t wait to celebrate with you.
March 4th is the last day to grab a seat at this event. Link in bio
Don’t Drop the Ball and miss this one☝🏾
#hiphopeball #healthhopehiphop
@officialbigdaddykane we can’t wait to celebrate with you.
March 4th is the last day to grab a seat at this event. Link in bio
Don’t Drop the Ball and miss this one☝🏾
#hiphopeball #healthhopehiphop
🚨 LAST CALL FOR TICKETS — WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4TH IS YOUR FINAL CHANCE! 🚨
The clock is ticking, and your seat at the table is almost gone. 🍽️
The Hip Hope Ball: A Celebration to Ignite Change is going down — and this is NOT just a party. This is a movement dressed in its finest. The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation is bringing together Hip-Hop legends, healthcare advocates, and community change makers for one powerful night where culture meets purpose.
Here’s the real talk — Black Americans are TWICE as likely to develop multiple myeloma, yet too many don’t even know it. Every ticket you purchase fuels the fight to change that. Every seat filled sends a message that our community deserves better healthcare, better access, and better outcomes.
Oya Gilbert, founder and multiple myeloma thriver, built this Foundation from personal pain into community power. Don’t let him — or your community — show up without you.
🎟️ Wednesday, March 4th is the LAST DAY to get your tickets. Once they’re gone, they’re GONE. No door sales. No exceptions.
🎫 Grab your tickets NOW → healthhopehiphop.org or link in bio
Time doesn’t wait. Neither does history. 🖤✊🏾
#HipHopeBall #HealthHopeHipHop #CultureMeetsPurpose #WilmingtonDE #BigDaddyKane
🚨 LAST CALL FOR TICKETS — WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4TH IS YOUR FINAL CHANCE! 🚨
The clock is ticking, and your seat at the table is almost gone. 🍽️
The Hip Hope Ball: A Celebration to Ignite Change is going down — and this is NOT just a party. This is a movement dressed in its finest. The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation is bringing together Hip-Hop legends, healthcare advocates, and community change makers for one powerful night where culture meets purpose.
Here’s the real talk — Black Americans are TWICE as likely to develop multiple myeloma, yet too many don’t even know it. Every ticket you purchase fuels the fight to change that. Every seat filled sends a message that our community deserves better healthcare, better access, and better outcomes.
Oya Gilbert, founder and multiple myeloma thriver, built this Foundation from personal pain into community power. Don’t let him — or your community — show up without you.
🎟️ Wednesday, March 4th is the LAST DAY to get your tickets. Once they’re gone, they’re GONE. No door sales. No exceptions.
🎫 Grab your tickets NOW → healthhopehiphop.org or link in bio
Time doesn’t wait. Neither does history. 🖤✊🏾
#HipHopeBall #HealthHopeHipHop #CultureMeetsPurpose #WilmingtonDE #BigDaddyKane
BROOKLYN IN THE BUILDING 🎤🔥
Internationally acclaimed poet, singer, and lupus advocate Shanelle Gabriel is hosting the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball — March 14, 2026 — presented by the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation!
From Def Poetry Jam to Carnegie Hall to the Vatican…
From sharing stages with Jill Scott & Nas to national campaigns with the NFL Draft & Pandora…
She brings ART + ADVOCACY + AUTHENTICITY wherever she goes.
Living with lupus, she uses her voice to speak on resilience, healing, and strength — making her the perfect host for a night where culture meets purpose.
Big Daddy Kane 🎤
Shanelle Gabriel 🎙
Health equity front and center.
This isn’t just a Ball. It’s a movement.
#HipHopeBall #ShanelleGabriel #healthhopehiphop #PoetryMeetsPurpose #CultureWithPurpose
BROOKLYN IN THE BUILDING 🎤🔥
Internationally acclaimed poet, singer, and lupus advocate Shanelle Gabriel is hosting the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball — March 14, 2026 — presented by the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation!
From Def Poetry Jam to Carnegie Hall to the Vatican…
From sharing stages with Jill Scott & Nas to national campaigns with the NFL Draft & Pandora…
She brings ART + ADVOCACY + AUTHENTICITY wherever she goes.
Living with lupus, she uses her voice to speak on resilience, healing, and strength — making her the perfect host for a night where culture meets purpose.
Big Daddy Kane 🎤
Shanelle Gabriel 🎙
Health equity front and center.
This isn’t just a Ball. It’s a movement.
#HipHopeBall #ShanelleGabriel #healthhopehiphop #PoetryMeetsPurpose #CultureWithPurpose
A LEGACY OF PURPOSE. 🔥❤️
We’re proud to announce that Maria A. Davis will receive the Lifetime Advocacy Achievement Award at the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball — March 14, 2026.
Diagnosed with HIV in 1995, Maria chose to turn her diagnosis into a movement. In 2006 she founded Can’t Be Silenced, Inc. — and she has been educating, advocating, and saving lives ever since.
From national HIV campaigns to serving on NYC’s HIV/AIDS Advisory Board…
From producing 30 years of “Mad Wednesdays”…
To bridging music and advocacy in powerful ways…
Maria doesn’t call herself a victim.
She calls herself an activist.
And that’s exactly why we honor her.
The Lifetime Advocacy Achievement Award celebrates leaders whose decades of work have left a lasting impact on communities everywhere.
We can’t wait to celebrate her legacy on a night where culture meets purpose — headlined by Big Daddy Kane 🎤✨
Legacy. Leadership. Love for the people.
#HipHopeBall #HealthHopeHipHop #LifetimeAdvocacyAchievement #CantBeSilenced #HIVAwareness CultureWithPurpose
A LEGACY OF PURPOSE. 🔥❤️
We’re proud to announce that Maria A. Davis will receive the Lifetime Advocacy Achievement Award at the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball — March 14, 2026.
Diagnosed with HIV in 1995, Maria chose to turn her diagnosis into a movement. In 2006 she founded Can’t Be Silenced, Inc. — and she has been educating, advocating, and saving lives ever since.
From national HIV campaigns to serving on NYC’s HIV/AIDS Advisory Board…
From producing 30 years of “Mad Wednesdays”…
To bridging music and advocacy in powerful ways…
Maria doesn’t call herself a victim.
She calls herself an activist.
And that’s exactly why we honor her.
The Lifetime Advocacy Achievement Award celebrates leaders whose decades of work have left a lasting impact on communities everywhere.
We can’t wait to celebrate her legacy on a night where culture meets purpose — headlined by Big Daddy Kane 🎤✨
Legacy. Leadership. Love for the people.
#HipHopeBall #HealthHopeHipHop #LifetimeAdvocacyAchievement #CantBeSilenced #HIVAwareness CultureWithPurpose
Wilmington stand up! 👏🏾🔥
We’re proud to announce that Logan Herring is one of two recipients of the Staple of the Streets Award at the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball — March 14, 2026 at The Queen.
A true son of the city and grandson of Rev. Otis Herring, Logan has built a legacy of impact — from mentoring student athletes through Delaware Elite to leading Kingswood Community Center and now serving as CEO of REACH Riverside.
He shows up.
He stands in the gap.
He builds real change.
That’s what being a Staple of the Streets is all about.
We can’t wait to honor him on a night where culture meets purpose — headlined by hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane 🎤✨
This is more than an event. It’s legacy in motion.
#HipHopeBall #StapleOfTheStreets #WilmingtonDE #CommunityLeader #HealthHopeHipHop
Wilmington stand up! 👏🏾🔥
We’re proud to announce that Logan Herring is one of two recipients of the Staple of the Streets Award at the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball — March 14, 2026 at The Queen.
A true son of the city and grandson of Rev. Otis Herring, Logan has built a legacy of impact — from mentoring student athletes through Delaware Elite to leading Kingswood Community Center and now serving as CEO of REACH Riverside.
He shows up.
He stands in the gap.
He builds real change.
That’s what being a Staple of the Streets is all about.
We can’t wait to honor him on a night where culture meets purpose — headlined by hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane 🎤✨
This is more than an event. It’s legacy in motion.
#HipHopeBall #StapleOfTheStreets #WilmingtonDE #CommunityLeader #HealthHopeHipHop
🙏🏾 THANK YOU to our corporate sponsors!
Your support of the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball — March 14th at The Queen — helps fuel the mission of the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation.
Together, we’re closing healthcare disparity gaps, increasing health literacy, and turning culture into a catalyst for change. 💪🏾
We couldn’t have done it without you.
@pfizerinc
@jnjinnovativemedicine
@bristolmyerssquibb
@dartfirststateofficial
@sanofi
See link in bio for tickets.
#HipHopeBall #healthhopehiphop #HealthEquity #CloseTheGap #SponsorLove
🙏🏾 THANK YOU to our corporate sponsors!
Your support of the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball — March 14th at The Queen — helps fuel the mission of the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation.
Together, we’re closing healthcare disparity gaps, increasing health literacy, and turning culture into a catalyst for change. 💪🏾
We couldn’t have done it without you.
@pfizerinc
@jnjinnovativemedicine
@bristolmyerssquibb
@dartfirststateofficial
@sanofi
See link in bio for tickets.
#HipHopeBall #healthhopehiphop #HealthEquity #CloseTheGap #SponsorLove
🎙️ NEW EPISODE JUST DROPPED‼️
"Prostate Talk: No Filter, No Excuses — Real Brothers, Real Stories" 🔥
Two survivors. One raw conversation. Zero sugarcoating. 💯
Your boy Oya Gilbert pulled up to the @healthevoices Conference and sat down with Mark Harris and Robert Ginyard — and they held NOTHING back.
We`re talking prostate cancer, PSA levels, treatment decisions, intimacy after surgery, generational health secrets that are HURTING our families, and finding your WHY to stay alive. 🙏🏾
If you`ve been sleeping on your health… this episode is your wake-up call. ⏰
🎧 Listen on Podbean for free or all major platforms
📺 Watch on YouTube → healthhopehiphop 🔗 in bio!
🔁 Repost this — somebody in your feed needs it TODAY
#HipHopeHooray #HealthHopeHipHop #ProstateCancer #BlackMensHealth #KnowYourPSA #Healthevoices
🎙️ NEW EPISODE JUST DROPPED‼️
"Prostate Talk: No Filter, No Excuses — Real Brothers, Real Stories" 🔥
Two survivors. One raw conversation. Zero sugarcoating. 💯
Your boy Oya Gilbert pulled up to the @healthevoices Conference and sat down with Mark Harris and Robert Ginyard — and they held NOTHING back.
We`re talking prostate cancer, PSA levels, treatment decisions, intimacy after surgery, generational health secrets that are HURTING our families, and finding your WHY to stay alive. 🙏🏾
If you`ve been sleeping on your health… this episode is your wake-up call. ⏰
🎧 Listen on Podbean for free or all major platforms
📺 Watch on YouTube → healthhopehiphop 🔗 in bio!
🔁 Repost this — somebody in your feed needs it TODAY
#HipHopeHooray #HealthHopeHipHop #ProstateCancer #BlackMensHealth #KnowYourPSA #Healthevoices
🚨 WILMINGTON — IT’S OFFICIAL 🚨
🎤 Big Daddy Kane LIVE
🗓 March 14, 2026
📍 The Queen
The Hip Hope Ball isn’t just a party.
It’s a room full of influence.
It’s conversations that don’t usually happen.
It’s culture being used for impact.
I explain what really makes this night different in the clip 👀🎥
🔥 Tickets are available now and include:
✨ VIP Mixer (OPEN BAR)
✨ Seated Dinner
✨ The Official Program (after dinner)
✨ Live Performances
✨ Afterparty Access
Don’t drop the ball.
🎟 Tickets in bio
#HipHopeBall #HipHopeBallDE26 #HipHopCulture #DontDropTheBall
🚨 WILMINGTON — IT’S OFFICIAL 🚨
🎤 Big Daddy Kane LIVE
🗓 March 14, 2026
📍 The Queen
The Hip Hope Ball isn’t just a party.
It’s a room full of influence.
It’s conversations that don’t usually happen.
It’s culture being used for impact.
I explain what really makes this night different in the clip 👀🎥
🔥 Tickets are available now and include:
✨ VIP Mixer (OPEN BAR)
✨ Seated Dinner
✨ The Official Program (after dinner)
✨ Live Performances
✨ Afterparty Access
Don’t drop the ball.
🎟 Tickets in bio
#HipHopeBall #HipHopeBallDE26 #HipHopCulture #DontDropTheBall
🚨 EARLY BIRD ENDS TODAY 🚨
The countdown is on!
The $145 Early Bird Special for the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball closes TONIGHT.
🗓 March 14, 2026
📍 The Queen – Wilmington, DE
🎤 Headlined by the legendary @officialbigdaddykane
Our founder, Oya “Grand G” Gilbert, recently sat down with Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur of @allhiphopcom to talk about the vision behind this powerful night of culture + impact.
This isn’t your typical gala.
It’s hip-hop.
It’s purpose.
It’s community.
Don’t miss your chance to be in the room.
🎟 Grab your ticket now:
Link in bio or
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2nd-annual-hip-hope-ball-a-celebration-to-ignite-change
#HipHopeBall #BigDaddyKane #HealthHopeHipHop #EarlyBird #CultureMeetsPurpose #HipHopForHealth
🚨 EARLY BIRD ENDS TODAY 🚨
The countdown is on!
The $145 Early Bird Special for the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball closes TONIGHT.
🗓 March 14, 2026
📍 The Queen – Wilmington, DE
🎤 Headlined by the legendary @officialbigdaddykane
Our founder, Oya “Grand G” Gilbert, recently sat down with Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur of @allhiphopcom to talk about the vision behind this powerful night of culture + impact.
This isn’t your typical gala.
It’s hip-hop.
It’s purpose.
It’s community.
Don’t miss your chance to be in the room.
🎟 Grab your ticket now:
Link in bio or
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2nd-annual-hip-hope-ball-a-celebration-to-ignite-change
#HipHopeBall #BigDaddyKane #HealthHopeHipHop #EarlyBird #CultureMeetsPurpose #HipHopForHealth
📣 WE’RE ECSTATIC!
At our 2ND ANNUAL HIP HOPE BALL, we’re honoring 🎤 PHILADELPHIA FREEWAY with this year’s
✨ RECOGNITION OF THE REAL ✨
This award celebrates those who turn real-life challenges into real advocacy — using their voice, influence, and lived experience to advance health equity and uplift the community.
From battling kidney failure and undergoing years of dialysis to receiving a life-saving transplant, Freeway has been transparent about his health journey. He has also spoken openly about navigating grief — showing strength, faith, and resilience in the face of loss.
That authenticity. That impact. That purpose.
That’s REAL.
We’re honored to celebrate him at the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball. 🏆🔥
#RecognitionOfTheReal #HipHopeBall #HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopForHealth #RealRecognizeReal CommunityChampion
📣 WE’RE ECSTATIC!
At our 2ND ANNUAL HIP HOPE BALL, we’re honoring 🎤 PHILADELPHIA FREEWAY with this year’s
✨ RECOGNITION OF THE REAL ✨
This award celebrates those who turn real-life challenges into real advocacy — using their voice, influence, and lived experience to advance health equity and uplift the community.
From battling kidney failure and undergoing years of dialysis to receiving a life-saving transplant, Freeway has been transparent about his health journey. He has also spoken openly about navigating grief — showing strength, faith, and resilience in the face of loss.
That authenticity. That impact. That purpose.
That’s REAL.
We’re honored to celebrate him at the 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball. 🏆🔥
#RecognitionOfTheReal #HipHopeBall #HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopForHealth #RealRecognizeReal CommunityChampion
CLIP DROP 🎙️
I asked Dr. Greg “Grouchy” Watkins one question…
“What was your rock bottom?”
His answer?
Not what most people expect.
This one hits different.
Watch this clip on YouTube: HealthHopeHipHop
or listen on all major platforms.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism or substance use, you’re not alone.
SAMHSA National Helpline (24/7): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
#HipHopeHooray #HealthHopeHipHop #Sobriety #MentalHealth #HipHopCulture
CLIP DROP 🎙️
I asked Dr. Greg “Grouchy” Watkins one question…
“What was your rock bottom?”
His answer?
Not what most people expect.
This one hits different.
Watch this clip on YouTube: HealthHopeHipHop
or listen on all major platforms.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism or substance use, you’re not alone.
SAMHSA National Helpline (24/7): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
#HipHopeHooray #HealthHopeHipHop #Sobriety #MentalHealth #HipHopCulture