Mental Health Meets Hip Hop Musical Showcase 2025: Where The Most & Least Discussed Topics Become The Conversation

After a night of being celebrated and uplifted, I pulled five hip-hop artists to the side and asked “What does Hip-Hop mean to you?”. The following were their responses:

“I’m seen.”

“I’m not alone.”

“It’s my escape from the world.”

“The justification to ignite the fire inside me”

“Being different is completely fine”

“Hip-hop is an exhibit of who I am and where I come from.”

Misconceptions about this safe haven have been deeply rooted in the world’s mind (A.K.A Media, TV, and School Curriculum). Throughout the 80s Hip-hop became the scapegoat for the crack epidemic, and in the 90s it was to blame for the dark era of the L.A. riots. Around the early 2000s, the genre was put yet under another microscope. The origin story and cultural autopsy became classified as innovative and positive. A transformation was occurring where Hip-hop went from being known as the sister of violence, gang affiliation, and segregation to becoming the poster child for black joy and artistic expression. It became widely recognized as more than late-night TV with Arsenio Hall but also a lifestyle and form of communication to the masses. 

  Photography Accredited to Mikala Woodfork

Time not only changed how parents, children, and politicians perceived Hip-hop but also the lyricism and visual graphics that artists were creating. From the time Bow Wow was rocking his two pigtails up until he became an adult, the topics glorified and pushed in songs remained stagnant. Money, women, drugs, and the fast life were constantly being rapped about like a broken record player. As new Hip-hop artists emerged into the industry, the game began to change slowly but surely. Relatability and life struggles were becoming trending topics thanks to artists such as DMX, Eminem, Mac Miller, Rod Wave, and NBA Youngboy; making Hip-hop become the face for the least discussed topic in America: Mental Health. What better way to educate and entertain by using the most sought-after music to strengthen the identity and awareness of resources and intellectual knowledge regarding mental health?

Saturday, January 25th, 2025 a musical showcase from 6 pm to 9 pm was presented by the Mental Health Meets Hip-Hop organization at the Harold Washington Cultural Center located in Chicago, IL. Heavy hitters such as Dlow Bop King, Big Mouf Bo, and Korporate rocked the crowd with their performances while informational and vital panels were also in the spotlight. The selection of speakers was not only inclusive by showing all ages, backgrounds, and missions of individuals apart of the black community. Sixth grader, Kylee Paul brought the city of Chicago into her world as she dove into the severity of communication between parents and youngins; and the struggles happening to our future leaders (the kiddos). Some of the problems she spoke about were bullying, comparison to social media, and peer pressure. The conversation did not stop there. The relationship between diet, a surplus of fast food restaurants, lack of food markets, and mental health was emphasized by mental health professional Zacharyiah Austin. Everyone from the front of the stage to the back of the theatre was glued to the panels. Uncomfortable and hard testimonies as well as knowledge was being served on a plate and ready to be presented to over 200 attendees. Hosts, Big Twon and 2Can added a unique element to the show as they asked the audience questions and created dialogue between the artists, panelists, and community.

The night provided the city with the perfect balance of a family-friendly turn-up with intentional, tough, and essential conversations surrounding mental health. The, what, who, why, where, and how were clearly explained to the crowd as some of the Chi’s favorite artists shared their connection to the topic at hand. The message of the night was that mental health should not be taboo to anyone, especially in the minority communities where it's prominent. Much research, access to resources, and common knowledge based on mental health should be shared ten times more than is currently. 

Before the doors opened to the star-studded and jumpin’ performances, the lobby had its own party going on. Over ten vendors filled the building, reeling in much-needed attention to the merchandise, resources, and organizations. The entire first level was filled with a variety of vendors from domestic violence help organizations, activities such as journaling and group therapy, and also cupcakes that will make you feel like every day is your birthday. Access to free therapy sessions open to 8 years old and up, job openings for teens and young adults who feel lost, and music programs were also plastered throughout the lobby for the city to soak in and want to learn more about mental health in their free time. It should be a part of their lifestyle and not just a discussion introduced to them every few months through the news, after-school programs, and conferences.

The showcase was far from your average mental health seminar. I applaud Mental Health Meets Hip Hop for presenting a platform to over twenty educated and experienced artists, activists, and professionals to grace the stage with life lessons, laughs, and silent moments that made the crowd think. Hence why it was more than only one panel; specifically three panels, where advice, testimonies, and community was given from Dr.Amanda Long, Sam Sparks, Dr. Ozell Adams, and Reginald Carter. Speech after speech there were many tokens of advice and conversation that resonated with me, a young twenty-two-year-old black woman. 

“Stop waiting for the world to tell you who you are and sit down with your thoughts.”

“Social media is smoke and mirrors; stop letting it control your brain.”

“Know who you are as a woman and be authentically you.”

“Take capture of your thoughts.”

“There’s life and death inside your tongue. Be intentional with your words always!

Chicago artists and their footwork weren’t the only focus throughout the night. The Mental Health Meets Hip Hop organization enhanced another theme during the night; giving people their flowers while they can still smell them. There were countless awards given out throughout the night making the audience feel as if we were at the NAACP awards, but two awards stood out to me the most. Rapper, actress, and community activist, Big Mouf Bo was presented an award of acknowledgment by her students. Global director of the Harold Washington Cultural Center, Jemelia Tillman was also gifted an award of leadership for helping MHMHH make their showcases and other events come to life. The city of Chicago has an army of intellects, entertainers, and institutions whose making it their mission to not only inspire others but bring real change to the world; starting with Chicago.

Mental Health Meets Hip Hop is not the new kid on the block. This relationship between local artists and mental health professionals has had over six years of understanding, growing, and valuing one another. Founder, Tatiana Lane, brought both of her worlds together from being a hip-hop artist and MH professional herself, together to curate a unique space. Her vision has turned into reality as the MHMHH values innovation, inclusivity, culture, community, and empowerment. They are constantly reconstructing the vision of mental illness by integrating talented artists and clinical awareness as well as resources into the community. For over five years, curricular development, consultation services, emotional and life coaching, as well as mindfulness workshops has been provided and utilized in maximum effect by both the organization and community members. Are you someone who wants to understand better their mental health? Do you want to be able to understand both the beginning and end of mental illness? Click here to see what Mental Health Meets Hip Hop can offer you: https://mentalhealthmeetshiphop.com/.

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Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW