Women in Hip-Hop Discuss Favorite Wellness Practices at MusiCares "She’s Iconic" Event

Sound & Well: Exploring the Connection Between Music and Health

Left to right: MC Lyte, Biz Lez, Sierra Lever, Jameka Pankey, Laiya St. Clair. (Image courtesy of MusiCares)

This June MusiCares, a charity that support the health and well-being of the music community, in partnership with Vivid Seats and H3 contributor Amazon Music, hosted its Los Angeles installment of their Humans of Hip Hop initiative at Amazon Studios in Culver City. 

The event, entitled “She’s Iconic: A Salute To Women In Hip Hop,” included a dynamic female-led discussion with panelists Saweetie, MC Lyte, Big Lez, Sierra Lever (Head of Hip-Hop/R&B at Amazon Music), and moderator Laiya St. Clair, chatting about women in hip hop culture, mainstream influences, mental health awareness and everyday wellness practices, and cultural bias women face in the industry.

Some of the main takeaways from the event surrounded perseverance in the face of hardship, the love of hip hop and supporting each other. “What’s the point of having a platform if you’re not inspiring others?” said Saweetie in discussing her own experiences and uplifting others through her work. 

The event will also had a hearing health activation including custom earplug fittings for guests who qualify, a signature offering of MusiCares services, along with additional information on the variety of services offered by the charity to music professionals.

Enjoying the Music Benefits of Music While Protecting Your Hearing

Here’s what panelists had to say about everyday wellness and self-care:

Left to right: Sierra Lever, Saweetie, MC Lyte, Leslie “Big Lez” Segar, Laiya St. Clair (Image courtesy of MusiCares)

Big Lez emphasized how working out helps her mental clarity.

Saweetie said it’s important to take time for herself, learn how to set boundaries, and learn how to say "no." She mentioned how she used to work herself until she was close to fainting, and she actually did after a performance! This is when she learned to listen to her body and when it needs rest.

Sierra Lever shared that her daily workouts are the hour during her day when she's not on a "screen," and that's one way she sets time aside for herself.

More from Sound & Well: Relieve Stress and Improve Self Confidence by Learning an Instrument