On Saturday (Feb. 27) ROCK THE BELLS partnered with the CDC Foundation for a lively pop-up event, “Live to the Beat,” which aimed to empower the Black community to take action and lower their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The event took place in Atlanta and was timed to coincide with Black History Month, American Heart Month, and the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop. 

The inspiring event kicked off its second year and was hosted by Atlanta rapper/activist Killer Mike and Shanti Das, mental health wellness advocate and founder of the non-profit organization Silence the Shame. "Live to the Beat" also featured a DJ set by radio personality and host Big Tigger, a healthy meals cooking demonstration by chef Nzali "Chef Zaza" Scales, a hip-hop fitness session led by personal trainer and TV personality Toya Johnson, and meditation and yoga with wellness expert Lauren Williams. Attendees of the free event could also visit on-site health screenings, all aimed to arm them with knowledge about CVD prevention, and the tools they need to develop heart-healthy daily habits.

Killer Mike, who explained he recently lost pounds in his wellness journey and intends to lose more, said staying active is a must. To that end, his playlist is always hype. "My favorite Hip-Hop song to work out to is probably 'Run The Jewels' by Run The Jewels," he admitted, referencing his acclaimed Hip-Hop group with producer El-P.

The Grammy winner said that being on the road often presents challenges when it comes to eating healthy and staying active. "Being a touring musician is a lot of fun but doesn't lend itself to the healthiest of lifestyles," he explained. "A few years ago, in between touring cycles, my doctor told me that all of my indicators were saying I needed to make some lifestyle changes if I wanted to be around to see my band become rap's AC/DC. Ever since I've been on a mission to learn how to take better care of myself. I look forward to learning more and engaging the Black community at 'Live to the Beat.'"

At the event, attendees popped from room to room to enjoy workout sessions, yoga, and impromptu dance sessions, including a group rendition of the "Cupid Shuffle," anchored by Tigger's DJ skills. There were also dance-offs, and the last dancer standing earned a prize.

According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for people of most racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., with Black people in the U.S. being two times more likely to die from heart disease than their white counterparts. With that in mind, the primary goal of CDC Foundation’s “Live to the Beat” campaign is to provide attendees with practical ways to overcome their barriers and to take small, heart-healthy steps even after the event. 

"The CDC Foundation is encouraged by the warm reception the "Live to the Beat" campaign has received from the public health community and from Black people across the nation," Lauren Smith, MD, MPH, chief health equity and strategy officer for the CDC Foundation, said. "With recent CDC data showing we still have a long way to go, the campaign's plans to engage more audiences through community and grassroots outreach are now more important than ever."