Mental Health

Many people think that rap is an angry genre, filled with the artists constantly talking about drugs and violence. But once you look into these artists, their songs, lyrics, and backgrounds you'll realize many of them have struggled from mental illnesses which turn them to excessive drug use. Artists as old and famous like Eminem and Lil Wayne have talked about failed suicide attempts in their lyrics, and newer artists like XXXTentacion, Lil Uzi Vert, Logic, and Juice WRLD have touched on the topic of mental health.

In this song, XXXTentacion raps about the tragic death of his friend who committed suicide. His whole project titled '17' is filled with songs about his mental health, and his dark mindset. In the intro, he speaks about how by listening to this project, you are "literally entering [his] mind".

Eminem talks about his struggle with drugs, and his mental health falling apart, causing him to come close to death by overdosing. He admits that he thought that he could get through his addiction by himself, and that it took him overdosing and almost dying that he needed help.

Lil Wayne confesses his failed suicide attempt on Solange's 2016 track "Mad"

Logic performs his song '1-800-273-8255' at the VMAs in 2017. The number in the title is the National Suicide Prevention hotline, and the song speaks about contemplating suicide, anxiety, and depression. The live performance features suicide attempt survivors on stage, wearing shirts with the hotline printed on them. This emotional performance brought audience members and those on stage to tears.

With this project, I hope to debunk the negative stigma around rap and hip-hop. Rap music is not always about glamourizing money and drugs. Mental health is already a touchy/taboo subject in the mainstream media, and rappers giving the subject light may make it easier for those struggling with their mental health to come forward about their problems.