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What does the 50th anniversary of hip hop mean to you?
To me, hip-hop is so much more than just music. As we celebrate 50 years of this genre, I’m excited to look back at the way the music and artists of hip-hop have impacted so many of us in meaningful ways. It’s a culture that has defined and redefined our society over the last 50 years. It’s a lifestyle, with a global impact and influence on how we dress, dance, and talk. How we connect with music, celebrate, activate, and generate wealth. It’s at the intersection of art, music, fashion, technology, sports and so much more. At SiriusXM, it was a pleasure to work with so many music pioneers and have them take to our stage this past August to celebrate this momentous anniversary.
What led you to your interest in giving back to the community and your involvement with the Boys and Girls Club at SiriusXM?
When we thought about what hip-hop means to us at SiriusXM, we recognized that one of the best ways to honor its 50th anniversary would be to find a way to celebrate and give back to our local community. We hosted a community-focused event at the Knockdown Center in Queens and invited local students, families, and businesses to join us in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens. We had an amazing day of dancing and DJ sets from SiriusXM’s own personalities, plus breakdancing, double-dutch, food from local BIPOC-owned food trucks, and backpacks and back-to-school supplies that the kids could customize.
We ended the day by making a donation to the Boys & Girls Club – in Queens as well as chapters across the country in Atlanta, D.C., Dallas, and Santa Monica. This donation is part of our mission for SiriusXM Cares, our philanthropic strategy, to contribute to organizations and take actions which promote social equality, education, combat racial injustice, and much more. At SiriusXM, we’re proud to be at the forefront of culture. What really filled my cup at the end of the day was seeing so many people with different perspectives — from our employees to students to artists — come together in a place near and dear to the birth of hip-hop, and help support and give back to this next generation of changemakers.
What’s your favorite part about the New York creative community?
I’ve visited many cities across the country and there is no place quite like New York. New York embodies the best part of why I love the work I do in diversity and inclusion. The diversity of the city is unmatched and shows itself best through the various creative expressions offered through music, art, theater, food, etc. In New York, there is such a rich tapestry of people that represent their cultures in very authentic ways. And even while holding on to what makes them unique, they find ways to lean into the experiences of others that set the foundation for intercultural growth that makes us all better.
My favorite place is the Brooklyn Chop House in Times Square. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is very chic. After a great meal….I can work it off with a bustling and entertaining walk in Times Square. The people watching is amazing!
What’s inspiring you right now?
Music always inspires me. I have a favorite song for every major point in my life and lean on those songs when I need inspiration or a reminder of what’s important. The song in heavy rotation on my playlist right now is called Bother Me by IAMDJDRAKE. There is a line in the song that says, “know all is well, always a win, just work on your focus, your discipline, when you take an L, it’s really a lesson, just cheer for yourself, that’s the connection.”. I love this line….it is my anthem right now and keeps me grounded and pushing forward.
Follow along:
@nicolemiddletonhughey on instagram
Photos by Cindy Ord