New York Music Month is an initiative of the NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment
Hip Hop Built the Culture. But Who’s Taking Care of the People Behind It?
June 24, 2026 | 2:00 - 3:30 PM ET
Hosted on Zoom.
The sustainability of Hip Hop cannot be separated from the well-being of the people creating it. Hip Hop has shaped global culture, commerce, and identity, yet the emotional and psychological sustainability of the people behind the music is rarely addressed.
In 90 minutes, attendees will gain a more honest understanding of the pressures behind the culture, hear insights from artists, executives, and mental health professionals navigating those realities in real time and better understand where real support exists today.
Explore the hidden pressures within the music industry, including
This conversation also looks toward accountability—examining the role institutions can play in better supporting the well-being of the creative community.
As part of its ongoing work to support the music community, the Recording Academy is hosting this conversation to address an area that has long been under-discussed but widely experienced.
This program is presented in partnership by the Recording Academy New York Chapter, the Black Music Collective, and Hip Hop, Are You Okay? for New York Music Month.
Meet The Speakers
Courtney "Snaps NYC" Nelson (Moderator)
Founder, Hip Hop, Are You Okay?
Courtney is a cultural strategist, media personality, and community curator working at the intersection of music, wellness, and culture. As the founder of Hip Hop, Are You OK?, she leads conversations and activations focused on mental health, emotional wellness, and sustainability within Hip-Hop and the music industry.
Courtney has spent over a decade shaping culturally impactful programming through partnerships with organizations including The Recording Academy, SiriusXM, TuneCore, the New York Public Library, and community organizations across the country. She is also a longtime SiriusXM producer and on-air personality.
Through Hip Hop, Are You OK?, Courtney has curated conversations featuring artists, executives, creatives, and health advocates centered around topics including burnout, grief, financial pressure, therapy access, and community healing within music culture.
Her work continues to bridge entertainment, advocacy, and public impact while creating safe spaces for honest dialogue and cultural connection.
Joie Binns
Vice President of Operations @ CMG The Label
Joie is a visionary music executive and strategic architect shaping culture through creativity, precision, and purpose. With more than 15 years of experience leading global operations across labels, touring, and broadcast, she has built scalable systems that elevates artists and drives lasting impact throughout the entertainment industry.
A two-time Billboard Women in Music honoree (2025 and 2026), Joie currently serves as Vice President of Operations for CMG The Label, founded by Memphis rap icon Yo Gotti. CMG is home to global superstars GloRilla, Moneybagg Yo, EST Gee, 42 Dugg, and Big Boogie. At CMG, she oversees key business and distribution initiatives while driving excellence in artist development, branding, and executive leadership.
Previously, Joie led operations for the distribution division of Roc Nation, where she contributed to major initiatives including the company’s NFL partnership. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside acclaimed artists such as Ne-Yo, BIA, and Justine Skye, and was part of the management team for Fantasia Barrino and Jordin Sparks during her time at American Idol’s 19 Entertainment.
Joie also manages actress and singer Journey Montana. Joie is known for seamlessly merging business with intuition and leadership with legacy, she continues to extend her influence across entertainment, culture, and family as a devoted mother of three daughters.
Brandon Holman
Head of Industry Relations @ Amber Health
Brandon is a mindfulness guide and mental health advocate dedicated to transforming the music industry by integrating wellness practices. Brandon has deep experience in curating programming that helps artists and executives navigate industry pressures, fostering creativity and long-term success.
With burnout and mental health struggles affecting over 60% of music professionals, Brandon's mission is to shift the paradigm—prioritizing well-being as a foundation for a healthier, more sustainable industry. A KRI-certified Kundalini yoga teacher with Mental Health First Aid certification, Brandon equips creatives with mindfulness tools to manage stress and thrive.
As an active Recording Academy member, he serves on the Foundations Committee supporting MusiCares, The Grammy Museum, and Grammy U. His vision is a music industry where mental health is prioritized, burnout is reduced, and creativity flourishes—not at the cost of well-being, but because of it.
J. Ivy
Trailblazer, Pioneer, Trendsetter & Co-Chair, Black Music Collective
Hailing from Chicago, J. Ivy is a three-time GRAMMY®, Peabody, Clio, Telly, and NAACP Image Award-winning poet and artist.
Years after his 3 season run on HBO Def Poetry and his appearance alongside Jay-Z on Kanye West’s hit song, “Never Let Me Down,” J. Ivy achieved a remarkable milestone by winning a GRAMMY® for his album, THE POET WHO SAT BY THE DOOR, making history as the first poet to win in the Best Spoken Word Poetry Album category.
A modern day renaissance man, he seamlessly blends art and inspiration, leaving an enduring impact on the world.