MusiCares continues to bridge the gap between artistry and well-being, recently transforming a venue in New York City into a sanctuary for hip-hop professionals with its Humans of Hip Hop: A Day of Health & Wellness event. The initiative provided an array of complimentary services, including vision screenings, hearing exams, custom ear molds, physical therapy and massage therapy, all tailored to the unique demands of the hip-hop community.
Ahead of the 2025 GRAMMYs, the event resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom expressed gratitude for the opportunity to prioritize their health in a field often defined by its relentless grind.
“I had no idea I could access vision, hearing health, and mental health services for free; this is amazing what MusiCares is doing!” shared one New York-based musician.
Another attendee, a producer and artist, underscored the importance of such initiatives: “They say prevention is better than care, and today, with these preventive services, MusiCares is helping us live out that ideal.”
Building on the success of similar events in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, MusiCares’ Humans of Hip Hop is setting a new standard for community care within the music industry. The program aims to serve eight key cities—Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles/Compton, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.—with specialized resources tailored to the hip-hop community’s needs. The program is powered by sponsors Vivid Seats and Amazon Music who each contribute to the production and programming required for the community efforts.
Past events have drawn industry heavyweights and cultural icons, adding star power to MusiCares’ mission. In Los Angeles, a June gathering featured Saweetie, MC Lyte, dancer and choreographer Leslie “Big Lez” Segar, Amazon Music’s Head of Hip-Hop and R&B Sierra Lever, and artist Laiya St. Clair. Chicago followed suit with a thought-provoking panel led by Common and Lupe Fiasco at Vivid Seats HQ.
MusiCares, a longtime charitable affiliate of the Recording Academy, is dedicated to supporting the health and welfare of the music community. From financial assistance and addiction recovery resources to wellness programs like Humans of Hip Hop, the organization works tirelessly to provide a safety net for music professionals, ensuring their well-being remains a priority as they shape the sounds of the world. Music professionals in need of support are encouraged to visit www.musicares.org to learn more.
