The Recording Academy has appointed new leadership to its Black Music Collective (BMC), a community hub for power players in Black music across genres.

Poet and artist J. Ivy, and artist, songwriter, and media host Torae will serve as BMC Co-Chairs. J. Ivy is also Governor of the Academy's Chicago Chapter, while Torae holds a seat as a National Trustee representing the New York Chapter.

 "J. Ivy and Torae have long been valued members of the Recording Academy family, consistently volunteering their time and using their platforms to drive positive change within the organization," said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., who selected the new Co-Chairs with Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Chelsey Green. 

The Co-Chairs will serve as thought leaders in the BMC and industry at large, collaborating on initiatives that build trust with and empower Black artists, creators and music executives. J. Ivy and Torae will also help structure BMC programs, events, and campaigns while advancing year-round efforts in education, advocacy, wellness, innovations, and continued investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

"J. Ivy and Torae have been stalwart voices on our Board, championing inclusion, representation and integrity on all sides of our work," said Dr. Green, adding that their new leadership role will allow both to "amplify the Black music creator community, expanding education and advocacy efforts while working to ensure that Black creators — in all their diversity of genre, expression and innovation — are more deeply seen, heard and valued."

A three-time GRAMMY winner, J. Ivy won the inaugural GRAMMY Award for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album in 2023 with The Poet Who Sat By The Door. He took home his second golden gramophone the following year for The Light Inside.

The trailblazing poet, artist and performer has received Clio, Peabody, Telly and NAACP Image awards. Throughout his career, J. Ivy has collaborated with Jay-Z, John Legend, and Ray Charles, performing at  the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony, the White House, the United Nations, and major sporting events. Beyond poetry, his artistry extends to television, film, commercials, and narration, making him a modern-day renaissance man whose passionate work inspires audiences worldwide.

Multifaceted artist and cultural Torae has an influence that spans music, media and community. A former president of the Academy’s New York Chapter, he is a vocal advocate for equitable music policy and systemic industry change. 

Torae hosts two signature SiriusXM shows, "The Tor Guide"and "That Raw," and regularly appears on live platforms including New York City FC and the Rock the Bells Cruise. As a songwriter, his work has contributed to multi-platinum hits for artists like BLACKPINK, Cardi B, Lizzo, and Migos, with his music also featured across major networks and brands. Beyond entertainment, Torae continues to expand his work in acting, entrepreneurship and philanthropy, driving cultural impact both on and off the stage.

"I'm confident they will lead the Black Music Collective with purpose and vision, introducing bold ideas and deepening our support for Black music creatives and executives across the music industry," Mason said of the new Co-Chairs.

The BMC's marquee event is its annual Recording Academy Honors, held annually during GRAMMY Week since 2022. The event recognizes legendary Black artists and executives whose influence has profoundly impacted the music industry. Honorees are presented with the Recording Academy Global Impact Award for their outstanding personal and professional contributions to music. Past recipients include Alicia Keys, Dr. Dre, Lenny Kravitz, Lil Wayne, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, and Sylvia Rhone.

 Since 2021, in partnership with Amazon Music, the BMC has also championed educational equity for HBCU students through the annual Your Future Is Now Scholarship. The initiative provides $10,000 grants to students for music equipment, alongside immersive, hands-on professional development experiences with both the Academy and Amazon Music teams. Additionally, each year, an HBCU is selected to receive a separate $10,000 grant to support its band program.