The Recording Academy has announced the appointment of J. Ivy and Torae as the new Co-Chairs of its Black Music Collective (BMC), signaling a continued commitment to amplifying Black voices and shaping a more inclusive music industry.
J. Ivy is a three-time Grammy Award-winning poet and recording artist celebrated for works such as The Poet Who Sat By The Door (2023) and The Light Inside (2024). He also serves as Governor of the Recording Academy’s Chicago Chapter, where he has championed creator advocacy and educational programs.
Torae, an artist, songwriter, and media personality, has played an active leadership role within the Academy, serving as President of the New York Chapter and currently as a National Trustee. His work spans music performance, songwriting credits on charting records, and broadcasting, including hosting shows on SiriusXM.
Together, Ivy and Torae will act as thought leaders for the Black Music Collective, helping design and implement programs that foster advocacy, education, wellness, innovation, and investment, particularly in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
What Is the Black Music Collective?
The Black Music Collective (BMC) is an advisory group within the Recording Academy established in 2020 to address equity and representation gaps in the music industry. Composed of prominent Black artists, executives, and industry professionals, the BMC serves as a hub for collaboration and action under the Academy’s umbrella.
Its mission is to uplift Black music creators, expand access to opportunities, and ensure the contributions of Black artists are fully recognized. The group operates through initiatives such as:
- Scholarships and Education: Programs like the “Your Future Is Now” scholarship, launched with Amazon Music, provide financial and mentorship support to students at HBCUs.
- HBCU Love Tour: Engagement programs that bring GRAMMY U and industry experts to campuses, exposing students to music business careers.
- Global Impact Awards: A pre-GRAMMY celebration honoring artists and executives such as Missy Elliott, Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, MC Lyte, John Legend, and Sylvia Rhone for their cultural influence.
- Leadership and Advocacy: Guided by Honorary Chairs including Quincy Jones, John Legend, Jimmy Jam, and Yolanda Adams, the BMC drives dialogue and action around systemic change.
Why the Appointment Matters
In a statement, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. praised Ivy and Torae as “stalwart voices for representation and integrity,” noting that their leadership will deepen the Academy’s commitment to celebrating and supporting Black music creators.
The move underscores the Academy’s broader efforts to align with diversity and inclusion goals, ensuring that Black voices are seen, heard, and valued within the music industry’s most influential institution.
As co-chairs, J. Ivy and Torae are expected to shape programs that not only recognize past contributions but also build pipelines for the next generation of creators, particularly in communities that have historically lacked access to resources.