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
Hip-Hop has always been about giving a voice to the unheard. Today, we’re using that same voice to help save lives. ❤️🎤
Sickle Cell Disease has impacted our families, our communities, and our culture for generations. Yet awareness still isn’t where it needs to be.
At the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation, we believe education changes conversations, conversations change behaviors, and behaviors save lives.
This campaign is about honoring the warriors living with sickle cell, recognizing icons like T-Boz and the legacy of Prodigy, and reminding every family that awareness is more than a month—it’s a movement.
Because when culture meets purpose, people listen.
One Day. One Movement. Global Impact.
❤️ Know it.
🎤 Talk about it.
✊🏾 Support those living with it.
🌍 Together, we save lives.
#HealthHopeHipHop #SickleCellAwareness #HealthEquity #TogetherWeSaveLives
Hip-Hop has always been about giving a voice to the unheard. Today, we’re using that same voice to help save lives. ❤️🎤
Sickle Cell Disease has impacted our families, our communities, and our culture for generations. Yet awareness still isn’t where it needs to be.
At the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation, we believe education changes conversations, conversations change behaviors, and behaviors save lives.
This campaign is about honoring the warriors living with sickle cell, recognizing icons like T-Boz and the legacy of Prodigy, and reminding every family that awareness is more than a month—it’s a movement.
Because when culture meets purpose, people listen.
One Day. One Movement. Global Impact.
❤️ Know it.
🎤 Talk about it.
✊🏾 Support those living with it.
🌍 Together, we save lives.
#HealthHopeHipHop #SickleCellAwareness #HealthEquity #TogetherWeSaveLives
Some moments are too important to rush.
What happens when culture, brotherhood, and purpose collide?
You’ll find out soon.
For now… here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at what went down in Orlando. Cameras were rolling. Conversations got real. The energy was different.
Sometimes the biggest stories aren’t the ones happening under the lights… they’re the ones happening when the cameras catch people simply being themselves.
Trust us… this one’s different.
👀 Stay tuned.
#HealthHopeHipHop #SomethingBigIsComing #BehindTheScenes #HipHopCulture #URL
Some moments are too important to rush.
What happens when culture, brotherhood, and purpose collide?
You’ll find out soon.
For now… here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at what went down in Orlando. Cameras were rolling. Conversations got real. The energy was different.
Sometimes the biggest stories aren’t the ones happening under the lights… they’re the ones happening when the cameras catch people simply being themselves.
Trust us… this one’s different.
👀 Stay tuned.
#HealthHopeHipHop #SomethingBigIsComing #BehindTheScenes #HipHopCulture #URL
🎤🇺🇸 As we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary this Independence Day weekend, I’m reflecting on a powerful moment from June 17.
The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation was honored to celebrate International Hip Hop Health Day at The Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx, where I joined an incredible panel, “Rhymes & Resilience: The Fight for Health Equity” moderated by Kevin Powell.
During the discussion, I shared something that’s deeply personal:
Hip-hop saved my life before healthcare ever did.
Long before my multiple myeloma diagnosis, hip-hop gave me purpose, resilience, and a voice. After my diagnosis, I realized I didn’t have to choose between my passion for hip-hop and my passion for health advocacy—I could use both to help save lives.
That’s why we created the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation. 🎤🩺
We believe culture can do more than entertain—it can educate, empower, and advance health equity.
Thank you to The Hip Hop Museum, my fellow panelists Maria Davis and Stick-E, also Chuck D for an unforgettable fireside chat. What a day full of conversation, community, and purpose.
Health. Hope. Hip-Hop. Because the culture that changed the world can also help save it. ✊🏾❤️🩹
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #HealthHopeHipHop #HealthEquity #HipHopMuseum #US250
🎤🇺🇸 As we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary this Independence Day weekend, I’m reflecting on a powerful moment from June 17.
The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation was honored to celebrate International Hip Hop Health Day at The Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx, where I joined an incredible panel, “Rhymes & Resilience: The Fight for Health Equity” moderated by Kevin Powell.
During the discussion, I shared something that’s deeply personal:
Hip-hop saved my life before healthcare ever did.
Long before my multiple myeloma diagnosis, hip-hop gave me purpose, resilience, and a voice. After my diagnosis, I realized I didn’t have to choose between my passion for hip-hop and my passion for health advocacy—I could use both to help save lives.
That’s why we created the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation. 🎤🩺
We believe culture can do more than entertain—it can educate, empower, and advance health equity.
Thank you to The Hip Hop Museum, my fellow panelists Maria Davis and Stick-E, also Chuck D for an unforgettable fireside chat. What a day full of conversation, community, and purpose.
Health. Hope. Hip-Hop. Because the culture that changed the world can also help save it. ✊🏾❤️🩹
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #HealthHopeHipHop #HealthEquity #HipHopMuseum #US250
🎤 When @funkflex shouted out our Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Pledge at the @stoopset Block Party, it was bigger than a moment—it was a reminder that the culture has always had the power to move people. Now we’re asking it to move us toward better health. 🙌🏾🎧
Our pledge begins with a simple truth: “I come from people who survived without options. I choose differently.” That’s what this movement is about. It isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making one decision that your future self will thank you for. Know your numbers. Learn your family history. Move your body. Drink more water. Schedule that check-up. Have the conversations our families were taught to avoid. 🩺💪🏾💧
One signature won’t change your life overnight. But one commitment can change your direction. That’s how movements begin—one person, one family, one community at a time. ✍🏾👑
Take the pledge. Make your commitment. Then challenge someone you love to do the same.
Follow us and this movement!!
#HealthHopeHipHop #HealthPledge #KnowYourNumbers #CultureForChange #FunkFlex
🎤 When @funkflex shouted out our Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Pledge at the @stoopset Block Party, it was bigger than a moment—it was a reminder that the culture has always had the power to move people. Now we’re asking it to move us toward better health. 🙌🏾🎧
Our pledge begins with a simple truth: “I come from people who survived without options. I choose differently.” That’s what this movement is about. It isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making one decision that your future self will thank you for. Know your numbers. Learn your family history. Move your body. Drink more water. Schedule that check-up. Have the conversations our families were taught to avoid. 🩺💪🏾💧
One signature won’t change your life overnight. But one commitment can change your direction. That’s how movements begin—one person, one family, one community at a time. ✍🏾👑
Take the pledge. Make your commitment. Then challenge someone you love to do the same.
Follow us and this movement!!
#HealthHopeHipHop #HealthPledge #KnowYourNumbers #CultureForChange #FunkFlex
💙🖤 Our hearts are full as we wrapped up our New York City tour this weekend at the incredible Franklin Avenue Stoop Set Open Streets Block Party in Brooklyn!
A special thank you to @theblockassociation, @good_people_nyc, and the entire Stoop Set team for allowing the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation (HH&HH) to serve as your Wellness Partner for Summer 2026.
Shout out to the entire @stoopset team:
@marlonrice, @themreport & @carlitohaciano
We also want to thank the block association and the Brooklyn community for welcoming us into your city with open arms. The atmosphere couldn’t have been more grassroots and authentic. From the moment we arrived until the final song played, the love was tremendous.
What stood out most was that it was all love and zero issues. That’s what culture can bring when community comes together with a shared purpose.
A huge shout out to the legendary @funkflex for delivering an incredible DJ set, stopping by our booth, learning more about our mission, and showing us love. Your support means the world to us.
Thank you as well to @angieyee for taking the time to visit us. We appreciate everything you have done—and continue to do—for the culture and the community.
To everyone who stopped by our booth, learned about our mission, shared your stories, and made the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Pledge—THANK YOU. Every conversation matters. Every pledge matters. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about Health, Hope & Hip-Hop.
And last but certainly not least, to the entire @healthhopehiphop team @nikkiduncansmith, @846627_gud, @myelomavalarie, @p.dot57 & @michellew_ivy who traveled from across the United States to represent our mission with excellence, passion, and purpose! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate each of you and how much love I have for this team. You continue to show what is possible when people come together to serve something bigger than themselves.
Brooklyn, thank you for embracing us. We can’t wait to do it again.
See you all at the next Stoop Set next month! 🙌🏾🔥
#HealthHopeHipHop #HHHH #StoopSet #Brooklyn #CommunityWellness
💙🖤 Our hearts are full as we wrapped up our New York City tour this weekend at the incredible Franklin Avenue Stoop Set Open Streets Block Party in Brooklyn!
A special thank you to @theblockassociation, @good_people_nyc, and the entire Stoop Set team for allowing the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation (HH&HH) to serve as your Wellness Partner for Summer 2026.
Shout out to the entire @stoopset team:
@marlonrice, @themreport & @carlitohaciano
We also want to thank the block association and the Brooklyn community for welcoming us into your city with open arms. The atmosphere couldn’t have been more grassroots and authentic. From the moment we arrived until the final song played, the love was tremendous.
What stood out most was that it was all love and zero issues. That’s what culture can bring when community comes together with a shared purpose.
A huge shout out to the legendary @funkflex for delivering an incredible DJ set, stopping by our booth, learning more about our mission, and showing us love. Your support means the world to us.
Thank you as well to @angieyee for taking the time to visit us. We appreciate everything you have done—and continue to do—for the culture and the community.
To everyone who stopped by our booth, learned about our mission, shared your stories, and made the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Pledge—THANK YOU. Every conversation matters. Every pledge matters. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about Health, Hope & Hip-Hop.
And last but certainly not least, to the entire @healthhopehiphop team @nikkiduncansmith, @846627_gud, @myelomavalarie, @p.dot57 & @michellew_ivy who traveled from across the United States to represent our mission with excellence, passion, and purpose! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate each of you and how much love I have for this team. You continue to show what is possible when people come together to serve something bigger than themselves.
Brooklyn, thank you for embracing us. We can’t wait to do it again.
See you all at the next Stoop Set next month! 🙌🏾🔥
#HealthHopeHipHop #HHHH #StoopSet #Brooklyn #CommunityWellness
Today, we celebrate Juneteenth — a powerful reminder that freedom delayed is freedom denied.
As we honor the resilience, strength, and perseverance of our ancestors, we also recognize that the fight for equity continues. While chains may have been broken in 1865, barriers still exist today in education, economics, and healthcare.
At the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation, we believe that health equity is a civil rights issue. Far too many Black Americans continue to face disproportionate rates of cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. These disparities are not accidents—they are the result of systemic inequities that must be challenged and changed.
Juneteenth reminds us that liberation is not just about freedom from oppression—it is about access to opportunity, quality healthcare, education, and the resources needed to thrive.
Through the power of Hip-Hop culture, health literacy, advocacy, and community engagement, we are committed to transforming pain into purpose and hope into action.
Today, we honor those who came before us by continuing the work they started. We celebrate our history, embrace our culture, and recommit ourselves to building healthier futures for generations to come.
✊🏾 Freedom.
❤️ Hope.
🎤 Hip-Hop.
🏥 Health Equity.
#Juneteenth #HealthHopeHipHop #HHHHFoundation #HealthEquity #FreedomDay BlackHealthMatters HipHopForHealth HealthLiteracy CommunityPower TransformingPainIntoPurpose ClosingTheGap
Today, we celebrate Juneteenth — a powerful reminder that freedom delayed is freedom denied.
As we honor the resilience, strength, and perseverance of our ancestors, we also recognize that the fight for equity continues. While chains may have been broken in 1865, barriers still exist today in education, economics, and healthcare.
At the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation, we believe that health equity is a civil rights issue. Far too many Black Americans continue to face disproportionate rates of cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. These disparities are not accidents—they are the result of systemic inequities that must be challenged and changed.
Juneteenth reminds us that liberation is not just about freedom from oppression—it is about access to opportunity, quality healthcare, education, and the resources needed to thrive.
Through the power of Hip-Hop culture, health literacy, advocacy, and community engagement, we are committed to transforming pain into purpose and hope into action.
Today, we honor those who came before us by continuing the work they started. We celebrate our history, embrace our culture, and recommit ourselves to building healthier futures for generations to come.
✊🏾 Freedom.
❤️ Hope.
🎤 Hip-Hop.
🏥 Health Equity.
#Juneteenth #HealthHopeHipHop #HHHHFoundation #HealthEquity #FreedomDay BlackHealthMatters HipHopForHealth HealthLiteracy CommunityPower TransformingPainIntoPurpose ClosingTheGap
Yesterday, I had the honor of celebrating International Hip-Hop Health Day at @thhmuseum’s “The Beat of Democracy” event in the Bronx—the birthplace of Hip-Hop.
This incredible gathering showcased the power of Hip-Hop as a force for culture, community engagement, civic participation, and health advocacy.
🎤 Opening Panel
Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Panel
• Maria Davis
• Stick-E
• Oya Gilbert
Second Panel
• Raina Simone
• Lady London
• The D.O.C.
• Mysonne
• Marlon Rice, candidate for New York State Senate
🔥 Fireside Chat
• Chuck D
🎙️ Moderator
• Kevin Powell
🎧 Music by
• Grand Wizzard Theodore
As Founder & CEO of the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation, it was a privilege to discuss how Hip-Hop can be leveraged as a powerful tool to improve health literacy, address healthcare disparities, and create healthier futures for underserved communities.
From conversations about democracy and civic engagement to discussions about health equity and community empowerment, today’s event demonstrated that Hip-Hop continues to be one of the most influential cultural forces in the world.
A special thank you to The Hip Hop Museum and everyone who contributed their voice, passion, and expertise to this meaningful day.
Hip-Hop has always educated, inspired, and mobilized people. Today was another reminder that the culture we love can also help save lives.
Health. Hope. Hip-Hop. That’s the movement.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #TheHipHopMuseum #BeatOfDemocracy #HealthHopeHipHop HipHopHealth HealthEquity ChuckD StickyFingaz Mysonne LadyLondon TheDOC KevinPowell GrandWizzardTheodore Bronx HipHopCulture CommunityHealth
Yesterday, I had the honor of celebrating International Hip-Hop Health Day at @thhmuseum’s “The Beat of Democracy” event in the Bronx—the birthplace of Hip-Hop.
This incredible gathering showcased the power of Hip-Hop as a force for culture, community engagement, civic participation, and health advocacy.
🎤 Opening Panel
Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Panel
• Maria Davis
• Stick-E
• Oya Gilbert
Second Panel
• Raina Simone
• Lady London
• The D.O.C.
• Mysonne
• Marlon Rice, candidate for New York State Senate
🔥 Fireside Chat
• Chuck D
🎙️ Moderator
• Kevin Powell
🎧 Music by
• Grand Wizzard Theodore
As Founder & CEO of the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation, it was a privilege to discuss how Hip-Hop can be leveraged as a powerful tool to improve health literacy, address healthcare disparities, and create healthier futures for underserved communities.
From conversations about democracy and civic engagement to discussions about health equity and community empowerment, today’s event demonstrated that Hip-Hop continues to be one of the most influential cultural forces in the world.
A special thank you to The Hip Hop Museum and everyone who contributed their voice, passion, and expertise to this meaningful day.
Hip-Hop has always educated, inspired, and mobilized people. Today was another reminder that the culture we love can also help save lives.
Health. Hope. Hip-Hop. That’s the movement.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #TheHipHopMuseum #BeatOfDemocracy #HealthHopeHipHop HipHopHealth HealthEquity ChuckD StickyFingaz Mysonne LadyLondon TheDOC KevinPowell GrandWizzardTheodore Bronx HipHopCulture CommunityHealth
Today we celebrate the power of hip-hop to educate, inspire, and improve lives.
Happy International Hip Hop Health Day!
Today, call someone you love and ask how they’re really doing. Mental health matters too.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #healthhopehiphop
Today we celebrate the power of hip-hop to educate, inspire, and improve lives.
Happy International Hip Hop Health Day!
Today, call someone you love and ask how they’re really doing. Mental health matters too.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #healthhopehiphop
From the block to better health.
Today marks the inaugural International Hip Hop Health Day.
Today, know your blood pressure numbers. Knowledge is power.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #healthhopehiphop
From the block to better health.
Today marks the inaugural International Hip Hop Health Day.
Today, know your blood pressure numbers. Knowledge is power.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #healthhopehiphop
One culture. One heart. One mission.
Welcome to the inaugural International Hip Hop Health Day! ❤️🎤
Today, drink more water and less sugar. Your body will thank you.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #healthhopehiphop
One culture. One heart. One mission.
Welcome to the inaugural International Hip Hop Health Day! ❤️🎤
Today, drink more water and less sugar. Your body will thank you.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #healthhopehiphop
Hip-hop changed music. Today, we’re helping it change health outcomes.
Happy Inaugural International Hip Hop Health Day!
Today, take a 15-minute walk for your health.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #healthhopehiphop
Hip-hop changed music. Today, we’re helping it change health outcomes.
Happy Inaugural International Hip Hop Health Day!
Today, take a 15-minute walk for your health.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #healthhopehiphop
Today we celebrate the inaugural International Hip Hop Health Day! 🎤❤️
A day where culture meets wellness and awareness becomes action.
Today, tell a friend to schedule their annual checkup.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #healthhopehiphop
Today we celebrate the inaugural International Hip Hop Health Day! 🎤❤️
A day where culture meets wellness and awareness becomes action.
Today, tell a friend to schedule their annual checkup.
#InternationalHipHopHealthDay #IHHHD #healthhopehiphop