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
🎤🔥 “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
🎤✨ HIP-HOP. HOPE. HEALING. ✨🎤
The Hip Hope Ball—featured by Tim Mader @6abcactionnews —was more than a night… it was a movement.
🗣️ “Hip-hop is a way to express what so many are feeling.” — Big Daddy Kane
🗣️ “Music uplifted me when I was at my worst.” — Philadelphia Freeway
🗣️ “Hip-hop has always pushed for social change.” — Masta Ace
AND we honored the REAL:
🏆 Johnson & Johnson – Collab of the Year
🏆 Philadelphia Freeway – Recognition of the Real
🏆 Maria Davis – Lifetime Advocacy
🏆 Chandra Pitts – Staple of the Streets
🏆 Logan Herring – Staple of the Streets
🗣️ “We’re taking hip-hop and turning it into hip hope.”
👉🏾 Take care of your health
👉🏾 Share the message
👉🏾 Be part of the movement
#HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopeBall26 #HipHopHeals #HealthEquity
🎤✨ HIP-HOP. HOPE. HEALING. ✨🎤
The Hip Hope Ball—featured by Tim Mader @6abcactionnews —was more than a night… it was a movement.
🗣️ “Hip-hop is a way to express what so many are feeling.” — Big Daddy Kane
🗣️ “Music uplifted me when I was at my worst.” — Philadelphia Freeway
🗣️ “Hip-hop has always pushed for social change.” — Masta Ace
AND we honored the REAL:
🏆 Johnson & Johnson – Collab of the Year
🏆 Philadelphia Freeway – Recognition of the Real
🏆 Maria Davis – Lifetime Advocacy
🏆 Chandra Pitts – Staple of the Streets
🏆 Logan Herring – Staple of the Streets
🗣️ “We’re taking hip-hop and turning it into hip hope.”
👉🏾 Take care of your health
👉🏾 Share the message
👉🏾 Be part of the movement
#HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopeBall26 #HipHopHeals #HealthEquity
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