Hip-Hop & The Issue Of Mental Health

The hip-hop community has long turned a blind eye to mental health, but the stigma is gradually beginning to unravel. It's never been easy to discuss mental health in hip-hop. But, with today's new crop of rappers, the conversation has been brought to the forefront.

It was hard to ignore a public reckoning with mental health in hip-hop, or anywhere else in 2018. Kanye's ‘Ye’  album cover called out his bipolar disorder, adding important context to his headline-grabbing outbursts. Mariah Carey acknowledged the same disorder. J. Cole spoke on addiction with his album ‘K.O.D,’ and we lost Mac Miller to a suspected overdose.

Hip-hop is reflective of this cultural imbalance. It’s a genre that has long been plagued by toxic expectations that demand hyper-masculinity. Mental health is considered a taboo topic, something to be swept under the rug for fear of public backlash and ridicule. Unrealistic and downright harmful pressures to be strong and to mask emotions, paired with a resounding lack of guidance and mentorship, stifles conversations surrounding these issues. This leaves symptoms ignored and normalises self-medication as a means of treatment. As a result of stigma and a failure to access mental health services, coupled with socio-economic differences and racial realities, those who need help the most are often unable to get the treatment that they so desperately need.

Rappers are now speaking out about this issue. In 2018, Kanye West spoke publicly about battling bipolar disorder, saying that he faces highs, lows and even suicidal thoughts. “There’s some cases of bipolar where people go low, I’m one that goes high,” ’Ye said on Jimmy Kimmel Live! “I’ll say it on real TV: ‘Oh, I thought about killing myself ’ and then the thought is gone.”

The rapper is one of many to break his silence about mental health in the past year. Jay-Z shouted out his therapist on 4:44, producer Timbaland came clean about his near-fatal OxyContin addiction and Fat Joe revealed how the death of friend Big Pun in 2000 sent him into a depression spiral.

Lil Peep’s death in November 2017 was caused by accidental overdose. The rapper, who named his debut album, Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt 1., was suffering from depression, anxiety, and had ingested fentanyl and generic Xanax. This past September, Mac Miller died at the age of 26 from a suspected overdose. The Pittsburgh artist spoke and rapped often about his substance abuse issues and struggles with depression. During a 2015 interview with Larry King, Mac said, “I think it started [with success]. It’s funny because you talk to people and they say, ‘What do you have to be depressed about? You have money.’ Fame is tricky because you read what’s said about you and you know what you know to be true and the lines start to blur.”

Kid Cudi, who delved into his problems with depression and drug addiction on tracks such as “The Prayer,” “Soundtrack 2 My Life” and “Reborn,” has been vocal about his battles to overcome personal demons. “A year ago I wouldn’t even go to a therapist or psychiatrist. But I gave it a shot,” he told Complex in 2013. “It’s working for me but it’s not for everyone. I’ve got some fucking problems. It’s good for me to talk to someone who helps me see things. I had no other choice.” After checking himself into rehab in 2016, he published an empowering Facebook post detailing his struggles and highlighting the importance of seeking help.

Vic Mensa is one of the most vocal young artists to discuss his mental health. “I have struggled with my own mental health, medication and the entire process for the past 10 years,” he says. “Although it’s an uphill battle and a daily fight, it’s cathartic for me and healing for me to be vulnerable and transparent. It helps me identify my patterns and you know, ways of growth.”

The transformation has been a long time coming. In an uncertain world, a younger generation of hip-hop fans has been hungry for a little more love, a little more tenderness, and, well, a lot more self-reflection.

The future for hip-hop self-care looks promising. Still, it’s crucial to remember that mental wellness is a journey not a destination.

WHERE TO GET HELP:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:

• 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• https://www.lifeline.org.nz/services/suicide-crisis-helpline
• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633
• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 or TEXT 4202

By: Alex Rozen.