MusiCares Humans of Hip Hop – Wellness, Financial Empowerment Take Center Stage in Chicago

Dr. Lynn Richardson photographed with event attendees. Courtesy of the Recording Academy® / Photos by Barry Brecheisen for Getty Images © 2025.

On April 28, MusiCares brought its Humans of Hip Hop (H3) wellness clinic back to Chicago, creating a powerful space where hip hop music professionals—from performers and producers to engineers, techs, and road crew—could prioritize their wellbeing and experience the breadth of services MusiCares provides all year round. Hosted at Vivid Seats HQ, the event welcomed attendees for an afternoon of care. The day featured dental and vision screenings, mental health support, custom ear mold fittings, massage and physical therapy, and a financial wellness panel featuring respected voices like Dr. Lynn Richardson, Deadra Woods Stokes, J.D., and Michelle J. Miller, Esq.

The event was more than just a clinic—it was an entry point for many into the ongoing support MusiCares offers. For attendees unfamiliar with the organization, the range of services served as a live snapshot of what’s available year-round—not just during special events. That message landed especially deeply for those who may not have previously known there was a safety net like this in place for people working in music.

Courtesy of the Recording Academy® / Photos by Barry Brecheisen for Getty Images © 2025.

The dental and vision screenings, in particular, resonated with guests—many of whom haven’t had consistent access to these kinds of preventative services due to the nature of freelance, contract-based work.

The financial wellness panel was another cornerstone of the event. With many in the industry navigating gig-based careers, the conversation offered tangible tools for building stability—like approaching one's finances with the same structure and intention as a business. As shared during the panel, understanding how to track expenses, maximize deductions, and make informed financial decisions isn’t just smart—it’s essential for long-term sustainability in this line of work.

Every service provided in Chicago is part of MusiCares’ ongoing commitment to music professionals across the country, 365 days a year.

Artists like Saweetie, Common, Lupe Fiasco, David Banner, Killer Mike (Run the Jewels), Young Dro, MC Lyte, Bobby Brackins, and many others, have all participated in Humans of Hip Hop programming, helping to amplify the message that support exists for those working behind the scenes and on the frontlines of the music industry.