Yesterday, June 18, 2024, MusiCares, the leading charity supporting the health and well-being of the music community, hosted a remarkable event in partnership with Vivid Seats and H3 contributor Amazon Music. Held at Amazon Studios in Culver City during Black Music Month, the event was entitled “She’s Iconic: A Salute To Women In Hip Hop.” This Los Angeles installment of the Humans of Hip Hop initiative was a dynamic female-led discussion that highlighted the contributions and challenges of women in hip hop.
Dynamic Discussions and Empowering Messages
The event featured an impressive panel of female hip hop influencers including Saweetie, MC Lyte, Big Lez, and Sierra Lever (Head of Hip-Hop/R&B at Amazon Music), moderated by Laiya St. Clair. The discussion covered various aspects of women in hip hop culture, mainstream influences, mental health awareness, everyday wellness practices, and the cultural biases women face in the industry.
Key Takeaways from the Event:
- Perseverance in Hardship: The panelists emphasized the importance of resilience and persistence in overcoming challenges.
- Love of Hip Hop: A deep passion for hip hop culture and music was a central theme.
- Support for Each Other: The importance of supporting and uplifting fellow women in the industry was highlighted.
Saweetie shared her insights on the power of influence, stating, “What’s the point of having a platform if you’re not inspiring others?” Her words resonated with many, underscoring the responsibility artists have to uplift and inspire through their work.
Honoring Iconic Female Artists
The event provided a platform for each artist to share their journey and inspire others with their stories.
MC Lyte:
MC Lyte was particularly inspiring as she recounted her journey from starting her career in the early 80s to her current roles in music, acting, and DJing. She emphasized her role as a mentor and big sister to other women on stage, spreading positivity and wisdom.
Big Lez:
Big Lez shared her transition from being a dancer to pursuing business aspirations. She spoke about sisterhood, friendship, and maintaining a positive outlook. Big Lez is now expanding her career into film, producing, and directing, showcasing her multifaceted talent and ambition.
Sierra Lever:
Sierra Lever, who leads Amazon Hip Hop Music, shared her journey that began at the young age of 19. She discussed her early days of planning events and building relationships, leading to her current influential role at Amazon Music. Her success story is a testament to her hard work and dedication in supporting other music artists.
MusiCares’ Continued Commitment
The event also featured a hearing health activation, including custom earplug fittings for guests, a signature offering of MusiCares services. Additional information about the variety of services offered by MusiCares was provided to music professionals, emphasizing the charity’s commitment to the well-being of the music community.
About MusiCares:
- Support Services: Preventive, emergency, and recovery programs for the music community.
- Established: Founded by the Recording Academy in 1989 as a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charity.
- Mission: Safeguarding the well-being of all music people through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts.
MusiCares’ Humans of Hip Hop initiative is directed at providing resources tailored to the needs of the hip hop community nationwide, focusing initially on eight key cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles/Compton, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. The charity recently hosted a successful H3 event in Chicago with a panel led by Common and Lupe Fiasco at Vivid Seats HQ and will be coming to Oakland on Monday, June 24.
Saweetie, MC Lyte, Dancer and choreographer Leslie “Big Lez” Segar, Head of HipHop and R&B at Amazon Music Sierra Lever, Experiential for Artists at Amazon Music Jameka Pankey and Musical artist Laiya St. Clair. Courtesy of the Recording Academy® / Photos by Anna Webber for Getty Images © 2024
Celebrating Women in Hip Hop
The event at Amazon Studios was a celebration of the significant contributions women have made to hip hop. The panelists shared their personal stories, professional journeys, and the importance of mental health and wellness in their lives. Their experiences and insights provided inspiration and motivation to all attendees.
Praise for the Event:
- Empowering Atmosphere: The event created a supportive and empowering atmosphere for all participants.
- Dynamic Discussions: The female-led discussion offered valuable insights and shared experiences.
- Inspiring Stories: Personal stories from each panelist highlighted their perseverance, passion, and success.
“She’s Iconic: A Salute To Women In Hip Hop” was more than just an event; it was a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and influence of women in the hip hop industry. MusiCares, along with its partners Vivid Seats and Amazon Music, successfully honored the iconic contributions of female artists while continuing to support the health and well-being of the music community.
Report Lela Christine