ARTIST | WRITER | EDUCATOR | COMMUNITY LEADER | CULTURAL WORKER
HollyHood
As a hip hop artist, I have been known for my lyricism, longevity, and advocacy for women in the genre. My music exists at the intersection of modern hip hop and classic influence, using humor, hard truths, and storytelling to connect with and engage audiences.
HollyHood exists alongside my visual art and writing as another place where language does what it needs to do. The work is not separate. It’s part of the same voice.
Years of writing, performing, curating, and simply existing as a woman in hip hop shape how I show up as a leader, speaker, and facilitator.
Background
Writing my first song in 6th grade, I have built a career through live performance, collaboration, and consistency. Known locally as Dr. Hood, I have been widely regarded as one of the most respected women MCs in Pittsburgh—a reputation that has also earned me the informal title “mom of Pittsburgh hip hop.” I have produced a number of long-standing hip hop events in Pittsburgh including P.M.S. (all-women showcase), Proud To Be Local, Battle for the Buck, and the Pittsburgh Underground Music Awards.
Performance & Curation history
Over the years, I have performed at venues and events across and beyond Pittsburgh, including the CD Baby DIY Musician Conference, Three Rivers Arts Festival, and Deutschtown Music Festival. I have also been invited to open for artists such as KRS-One, Rakim, GZA, Warren G, Ja Rule, Scarface, and the Sugarhill Gang. I have also been hired as a DJ'd for clients including Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Allegheny Health Network, Braddock Carnegie Library Association, and the Pittsburgh International Airport. I have curated hip hop acts for the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Deutschtown Music Festival, and Drusky Entertainment.
In Exhibitions
The video for my song, No Sleep Til Brooklyn, has been presented in galleries and other types of exhibitions.
Panels & Presentations
- Culture Jam: Citywide Interdisciplinary Multicultural Conference for High School Students - Virtual, 2021
- "Power to the People: No Delay" : The Transformative Force of Hip Hop as Social-Justice Catalyst - Conference on College Composition and Communication, 2019
- Hip Hop Hates Women - Artist Image Resource (AIR), 2017
- Gender in Hip Hop - Duquesne University, 2017
- Industry Exposed Workshop & Panel - Persepolis, 2015
The HollyHood ARchive
My work as HollyHood includes recorded releases, video projects, and live performances presented independently and in exhibition contexts. Selected work is available by request through the HollyHood archive.