How Hip-Hop Is Tacking The Issue of Mental Illness
Gabeal Davis
Via Medium
As of late, mental health has become more of a common topic in the media. It’s reported that the suicide count is rising, making it the 10th cause of death in the U.S. as of this year. Over the years suicide, depression, and addiction has become some of the most prominent topics among hip-hop artists. Because of this, some listeners attribute their lives being saved by these lyrics and songs. Being able to have the feeling that you are not alone in a situation is what people need to have to help get over their situation.
Discussing Suicide
One of this year’s top songs is Logic’s “1-800-273-8255“, named after the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. On the track Logic shows that suicide is never the answer to anyone’s problems. The purpose of this track is to let people to know that there is always help available and that it’s just a phone call away.
via Pinterest
On his breakout hit “XO TOUR Llif3,” Lil Uzi Vert sung about contemplating committing suicide over a failing relationship and how he turned to drugs, specifically Xanax, to give him peace. His latest album, Love is Rage 2, is filled with songs inspired by his struggles with his past relationship and coping with the fact that it’s virtually over.
Kid Cudi the Ambassador of Talking Mental Health Issues in Hip-Hop music.
One of the most prominent artist to discuss his mental health issues has been Kid Cudi. On his 2008 mixtape, A Kid Named Cudi, he candidly spoke about how he felt alone and that his mind is always racing. He also speaks about dying and his funeral. With this mixtape and the albums that followed Cudi’s music have been credited for helping save some of his listener’s lives. Pete Davidson and Travis Scott have been some of the bigger names to credit his music for helping them cope with life.
via The Breakfast Club
Since Hip-Hop/R&B is now the most listened to genre in the world artists now how more influence than ever before on their listeners. With talking about their struggles instead of bragging about frivolous things becoming more common music, more people are becoming aware of how important talking about mental health and getting help really is.
Banner Image via L.A. Weekly, Shane Loes