1. On “There’s A Lot Going On,” Mensa looks into his own soul and battles with his inner demons, making a bold artistic statement. CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: California Privacy Policy | California Collection Notice | Do Not Sell My Info. On Detroit 2, Big Sean speaks openly about the importance of his mental health. Topics centered around mental health and depression dominate our public discourse. The Notorious B.I.G — “Suicidal Thoughts” (1994), The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Suicidal Thoughts” is one of the most vivid rap songs about depression. City album is an instant classic and brought conceptualism and storytelling back to the spotlight of a genre falling into a superficial rut. Even Bawses struggle sometimes. On “Nightmares,” which features singer Bilal, the duo gets real about the PTSD of drug dealing. Later DeAngelo sued him with $1 million lawsuit for making up wrong stories about him. It's almost like a female empowerment song without it being a female empowerment song." ... Whats your favorite rap song by what raper? He explained: One of the only reasons that I put that track on there is that I feel like it’s the best song out of that batch that I did when I wasn’t sober. This song basically says, "Yeah, it hurts now, eat chocolate to your heart's content — it won't kill you — and in the end you'll be OK." —Tolani O. But it helps, though. It also chronicles his thoughts regarding suicide and depression. CHEAP PROMOTIONS! music has always served as a medium for artists to share their struggles. “Self Care” was written after Mac Miller’s break-up with Ariana Grande. Before he became a media star, Joe Budden was a formidable and highly respected MC in hip-hop. His influence still reverberates within the culture. Join the New Times community and help support independent local journalism in Miami. On “Smile,” he reveals that his mother, Gloria Carter, is gay, and he cried tears of joy when she met her partner. Photo Credit: Vickey Ford of Sneakshot for Okayplayer. There’s some very dark moments in there. On her magnum opus, A Seat at the Table, Solange addresses a multiplicity of topics with provocative clarity. Keisha's Song - Kendrick Lamar. You can follow him at @thegroveness for all of his greatness. Hip-hop artists have delved deeper into discussing the reality of mental wellness and how it affects their personal and professional lives, from being vocal about getting therapy to coping through self-care. At the time I felt like, “This is it for me.” I wrote the first verse and a half in rehab, and when I came out, I finished it. Released as a single in 1996, “Stressed Out’ spoke to the realities of anxiety, taking prescribed medicine, and building strong support systems long before it became mainstream. or a sad type of beat. Top 10 Inspirational Songs that Shaped Black Struggle: by Todd A. Smith: Aretha Franklin's 1972 cover of Nina Simone's "(To Be) Young, Gifted and Black" is one of the most inspiring songs in urban music history (Photo courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corporation). From Jay Z to J. Cole, here are 35 of the most depressing rap songs. “XO TOUR Llif3″‘s famous chorus — “push me to the edge, all my friends are dead” — conveyed the mental torment that Uzi was enduring. Vic Mensa has been an open book about his struggles with mental health. To this day, when I struggle with resentment, fear or shame, hip hop is a big part of the healing for me. “Beautiful” is a single from Eminem’s sixth studio album Relapse. On “Keep Livin,’” from her 2003 release, Few could match the wit and dexterity of the. This song is an amazing compilation of rappers using their platform to demand change from the people, as well as the government. Photo Credit: Grade A Productions and Interscope Records, Juice WRLD’s death in 2019 left the culture with many questions about how to address mental illness and drug usage. Andre 3000 was a high school dropout, but he went on to be one of the most memorable characters in hip-hop! 43. Mr. West puts the horns and upbeat on the struggle, giving hustlers and dreamers something to hold their head up to while staying steady on the grind. Featured on his highly acclaimed LP To Pimp A Butterly, “u” explores his previous encounters with depression, suicidal thoughts, and survivor’s guilt. Wale - "Ambition" ft. Meek Mill and Rick Ross. Photo Credit: Tan Cressida Records & Columbia Records. Weezy has mentioned, could be considered the personification of modern, was definitely ahead of the game with his track “Self-Care.” The song, was written after his break-up with Ariana Grande. Sample lyrics: "Well, Jo'anna she runs a … Rashad Grove is a writer from NJ whose work has…, Though society has recently developed the language and perspective to expand our understanding — through data and first-hand accounts —, the current conversation surrounding mental health and depression isn’t quite new; it’s been subtly channeled through music through time. DeAngelo was accused of beating him to an extent which caused Eminem brain hemorrhage. Circulation, The late Prodigy once said, “hip-hop is our therapy.” … On “1-800-273-8255,” Logic tackles the issue of suicide head-on. 4.He fell prey to drug overdose “Mad,” featuring Lil Wayne, is an exploration into Black emotional vulnerability. The rapper also addressed themes of paranoia and isolation. Although drug use has always been a part of hip-hop culture, Wayne — who was the most popular rapper in the world at the time — describing his dependency on the. On “Self-Care,” Mac Miller is on a journey filled with pain, addiction, mental illness, and heartbreak that tragically would ultimately be the forces that caused his life to end prematurely. Throughout the track, Mensa paints a portrait of his personal experiences of mental health combined with his drug use and consumption of alcohol to ease with the pain. like real soul. Though society has recently developed the language and perspective to expand our understanding — through data and first-hand accounts — the current conversation surrounding mental health and depression isn’t quite new; it’s been subtly channeled through music through time. Photo Credit: Artist. Juice WRLD’s most iconic record is “Lucid Dreams.” It’s a song he described as. – Eminem. The song would not be finished until he got sober some years later, and he added a third verse. Always an open book, he bore his soul on “Only Human.”  From his Some Love Lost EP, “Only Human” was recorded the day after he was released from jail, details his struggle with his mental state. Rap for me is like making movies, telling stories, and getting the emotions of the songs through in just as deep a way. In the wake of the Michael Brown shooting, R&B singer Lauryn Hill reprised a powerful song about the strife of the African American community that … Privacy, With the refrain of“I feel like dying”—  a sample of, tackles the topic of suicidal ideation with vulnerability. Best Songs About Kids, Sons, and Daughters Growing Up. In 2013, Kid Cudi suffered from an emotional breakdown after ending a relationship. But to survive…Well, that’s to find meaning in the suffering.”, Jean Grae’s lyrical exploits have gained her legendary status as an underground MC. He represents the wing of hip-hop where MCs are not afraid to express their emotions. Just remember, before he had the Throne, West shopped his rhymes to label after label, getting laughed at and shoved into a corner as a beat-maker in a cage. His film 8 Mile, loosely based on his own life, paints the picture of a young man who knows in his heart he can achieve despite the obstacles life continuously throws in his face. But after a very public near-end to his marriage to Beyoncé, Hov learned the art of baring one’s soul through artistic expression, as he does throughout 4:44. Rose fuels his grind with cacophonous strings and evil bass... Kanye West - "Touch the Sky". In an, , “That was one of the hardest songs I had to write. Photo Credit: Jive Records. And she certainly wasn’t alone in her pursuance of that mission. This D.C. rapper turns his vision into a reality with his music, delivering an ode to the driving force within us all. Here’s a list of songs released in the last six weeks related to life in quarantine and social distancing. He first began to compose the song during a stint in rehab in 2005 to deal with his addiction. This is his celebration, before he set most of the world on fire with his braggy antics and don't-give-a-fuck attitude. Nothing worth having comes easy, and 2Pac tries to let people know. She famously sang the song at the March on Washington in 1963, and other early live versions capture that same powerful weight as well. Over the course of his career, DMX has had his fair share of battles — struggling with drug addiction, alcoholism, paranoia, and manic depression. Sure, the Steve Aoki remix may be a way bigger hit at festivals and nightclubs, but there's something about this introspective, quiet jam that speaks to the scared hopefulness in all of us. On their fourth LP, Beats, Rhymes, and Life, the crew spoke about maneuvering through anxiety on “Stressed Out,” which features Faith Evans and Consequence. As he says, real recognizes real, and hard work and positive attitudes pay off in the long run. “Long Time II,” featuring Nico Segal, is a passionate plea about navigating through the dark abyss of loss and heartbreak. If you keep believing in yourself, you too may one day steal mics from award recipients and get the chance to get in your zone. His career continues today, but this moment of personal clarity will be a classic forever. “So Many Tears” embodies the vulnerability of Tupac as he feared for his life, expressed suicidal thoughts, and struggled with paranoia.Â, A Tribe Called Quest, Faith Evans & Consequence — “Stressed Out” (1996), Released as a single in 1996, “Stressed Out’ spoke to the realities of anxiety, taking prescribed medicine, and building strong support systems long before it became mainstream. The Miami New Times may earn a portion of sales from products & services purchased through links on our site from our affiliate partners. In their classic “Mind is Playing Tricks on Me,” from their debut album We Can’t Be Stopped, The Geto Boys capture the reality of Post Traumatic Syndrome within urban communities. And never forget what Jesus said in Matthew 11: 28-31 — Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. The whole thing tells the story of his hard times trying to make it out of Compton to the world stage, and this song near the end brings home just how harrowing a life on the streets can be. Here are some of the best socially charged rap songs of the new millennium. It's inspiring to watch somebody hailed as one of the greatest retell his struggle firsthand, and you can hear the pride and astonishment in his words. Terms, Accompanied by the late, great Nipsey Hussle on “Deep Reverence,” Sean cleanses himself of all of the mental barriers that have held him back and makes the commitment to continually work through his issues. “Beautiful” was the only song he kept that he wrote while in rehab. On his conceptual album Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Monch’s creates every track around some form of PTSD. Photo Credit: Roger Kisby/Getty Images for CMJ. You can help by participating in our "I Support" membership program, allowing us to keep covering Miami with no paywalls. The track showcased all of the mental gymnastics that Black people have to go through just to simply exist. Ever. According to Lamar, it was a difficult endeavor to compose to the song. Cudi’s music is often colored with those metal health battles. Her lyrical exploits have gained her legendary status as an underground MC. Throughout the track, Mensa paints a portrait of his personal experiences of mental health combined with his drug use and consumption of alcohol to ease with the pain. See, to live is to suffer. a “therapy session” that he wrote while going through struggles in his relationship. Scarface, Willie D, and Bushwick Bill vividly describe the various mental states of paranoia, schizophrenia, and depression. He interweaves the loss of his grandmother, distrust of anything and everybody, and all the anxiety that comes along with it. This is not a positive song about education by Eminem’s rap group D12. By clicking 'X' or continuing to use the site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. The song finds X reminiscing about all the traumatic events of his life and how they shaped him. Songs about struggle are a cornerstone of the genre. While some slanderers of hip-hop frown upon the genre for its constant talk of money, women, and even pimpin', true fans know there's much more to rap. His other-worldly talent as an MC is only matched by the internal forces that he constantly wrestles with. I hope you find as much encouragement in these lyrics as I have. JAY-Z exposes himself in ways that we’ve rarely experienced in his career. However, I’ll still include it as it’s overall a nice and enjoyable song where the rappers of D12, including Eminem, spit multi-syllable flows and lyrics about not liking school. Song. The Geto Boys — “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” (1991)Â, Scarface, Willie D, and Bushwick Bill vividly describe the various mental states of paranoia, schizophrenia, and depression on “Mind Playing Tricks.” Photo Credit: Rap-A-Lot, Priority. Grief has no expiration date.  Death is very much a part of life, a lesson that everyone has to learn, and there is no escaping this reality. "Unwell" by Matchbox Twenty Lead singer Rob Thomas said in a Genius interview that the lyrics of "Unwell" were inspired by personal struggles with insecurity and discomfort that even lead to … “Mad,” featuring Lil Wayne, is an exploration into Black emotional vulnerability. “Wounds” is an authentic portrayal of an artist that’s fighting for their mental life. But even people of faith are not exempt from the highs and lows that come with the emotional rollercoaster of life. Ever since his days as a member of Organized Konfusion, Monch has probed deep into his own metal issues through his music. Staff, He interweaves the loss of his grandmother, distrust of anything and everybody, and all the anxiety that comes along with it. To find out more, visit our cookies policy and our privacy policy. This is an especially great song to play at a protest or when you are really frustrated. During the recording process, Monch was struggling with depression and trying to maintain his sobriety. Chance the Rapper wears his faith on his sleeve and is unapologetic about it. Released as a single in 1996, “Stressed Out’ spoke to the realities of anxiety, taking prescribed medicine, and building strong support systems long before it became mainstream. For Mensa, his artistic expression helps him to combat psychological trauma and to keep his sanity. Hip-hop artists have delved deeper into discussing the reality of mental wellness and how it affects their personal and professional lives, from being v, In their classic “Mind is Playing Tricks on Me,” from their debut album. Lv 6. Fortune favors the brave, though, so Outkast and Goodie Mob joined forces to give street hustlers an anthem that both motivates and elevates the masses. It’s also one of the best EMO rap songs about depression. Everyone can relate to being down on one's luck, and we all need motivation to get us through. Logic addresses homophobia and bullying on the track, two common occurrences that often lead to suicide. Sampling Sting’s “Shape of My Heart,” “Lucid Dream” is an emo-rap ballad that captures the mental anguish when relationships end.Â, Big Sean & Nipsey Hussle — “Deep Reverence” (2020), Accompanied by the late, great Nipsey Hussle on “Deep Reverence,” Sean cleanses himself of all of the mental barriers that have held him back and makes the commitment to continually work through his issues. Here are my picks for ten of the best rap storytelling songs. The struggle sounds real funky in the South, but that doesn't make it any easier to stay motivated. , he deals with all of the emotion of the human experience, exposing his innermost feelings like never before against the backdrop of an impending prison sentence. In 2016, he announced on social media that he checked himself into a rehab because of his struggles with prescription medications, anxiety, depression, and suicidal urges. Arguably the greatest rapper of all time, everything about Biggie's life and death represents the "struggle," and no doubt speakers will bump his beats for eternity. It’s also his most successful, going six times platinum in the United States.Â, JAY-Z & Gloria Carter — “Smile” (2017), JAY-Z is not one to record rap songs about depression. The truth behind the song gives it an authenticity that is still felt almost 30 years later. real good one. Below you'll find popular songs that you've definitely heard before, but also some more underground rap songs with making it in the title or lyrics. Answer Save. 9 answers. But Wale knows it takes more than just dreaming to make it. Lil Wayne opened the door for MCs to make rap song about depression. You must be quick to seize opportunity when you hope to succeed against all odds, and Em uses this song as a way to remind aspiring individuals to give everything their all when the crack in the door makes itself known. Producing stories on everything from political scandals to the hottest new bands, with gutsy reporting, stylish writing, and staffers who've won everything from the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi feature-writing award to the Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism. “Slippin,” from Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, is an exorcism of sorts. Storytelling is a big part of hip-hop, and Nas delivers an amazing personal history on this record off 2007's Greatest Hits. But even the Clipse could not escape the psychological toil that comes with the drug game. Juice WRLD’s most iconic record is “Lucid Dreams. Rose fuels his grind with cacophonous strings and evil bass booms. Self-care is essential for our mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. 1. On “Grief,” Sweatshirt deals with the angst of human mortality. Wayne opened the door for rappers to share openly about the destructive nature of addiction and how mental illness impacts us in numerous ways. Chance the Rapper & Nico Segal — “Long Time II” (2012), “Long Time II” is a passionate plea about navigating through the dark abyss of loss and heartbreak. is an autobiographical take on how fair he came as a rapper. He was killed when he was just 25 years old, and he never did live to see a black president, but hey, we got there, right? In the opening refrain, X, with piercing insight says, “This life shit, this life shit is like is like bugged the fuck out, son, for real. by. that he checked himself into a rehab because of his struggles with prescription medications, anxiety, depression, and suicidal urges. So when you find yourself down and out, put on one of these jams and remind yourself to get up, get out, and get something. The track showcased all of the mental gymnastics that Black people have to go through just to simply exist. EP, “Only Human” was recorded the day after he was released from jail, details his struggle with his mental state. The song originally appeared in Spike Lee's "Do The Right" thing, which explored racial tension in a Brooklyn neighborhood and would become Public Enemy’s most popular song to date. He first began to compose the song during a stint in rehab in 2005 to deal with his addiction to sleep medication. We use cookies to collect and analyze information on site performance and usage, and to enhance and customize content and advertisements. The best we can do is simply manage grief from day to day, moment to moment. Cudi’s music is often colored with those metal health battles. On “Wounds,” from his Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’ album, Cudi moves through the various mental states and the effects that they cause. You've got to dig yourself out of the hole with hard work, no matter how hard the bad times may get. This is a song for carefree Black girls who don't worry about the world or what people have to say — they're just secure with themselves, their blackness, and who they're going to be in life. SuperLyrical1987. Photo Credit: Hollywood BASIC, Elektra Records. That shit is depressing as a motherfucker. 45. There are so many songs that have inspired me over the years. I’m sure that for many of you, you may also be motivated by hip hop/rap music so I’ve updated this article to give you all some awesomely motivational hip hop songs to listen to. “Suicidal Thoughts” is a suicide note that finds Big conflicted about the hand that life had dealt him, and he calls Puff Daddy to explain the decision that he has already come to terms with. There’s some very dark moments in there. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox, Miami Restaurant Directory: Takeout/Delivery/Dine-in. Cleveland's patron saint of stoner outsiders brings a touch of indie rock to his struggle music. So, in honor of Mental Awareness Week, here’s a roundup of 24 memorable rap songs about depression, featuring tracks from Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, and more. Support the independent voice of Miami and help keep the future of New Times free. Juice WRLD’s most iconic record is “Lucid Dreams.” It’s a song he described as a “therapy session” that he wrote while going through struggles in his relationship. This dad never imagined his life would become more about his daughter than himself. When everyone wanted to gang bang, he did too, but he also dropped mad positivity bombs on a people that needed to hear something encouraging: women, blacks, the poor, everyone trying to make it up from the bottom. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our terms of use, our cookies policy, and our privacy policy. Photo Credit: Vickey Ford for Okayplayer. He did rap about DeAngelo Bailey in the song “Brain Damage”. by Sylvia Obell. the crew spoke about maneuvering through anxiety on “Stressed Out,” which features Faith Evans and Consequence. In an interview, Lamar said, “That was one of the hardest songs I had to write. The late Prodigy once said, “hip-hop is our therapy.” But the conversation around mental health is constantly evolving beyond that notion — beyond the catharsis of making and consuming music. See, to live is to suffer. Hip-hop is the music of the people, and the sound of grumbling bellies sets the beat. On “Keep Livin,’” from her 2003 release The Bootleg of the Bootleg EP, she steps up to the plate and delivers some insight on how mental issues have impacted her family and how she deals with the stress. Maneuvering through the darkness of depression, he skillfully depicts the internal struggle when one is suffering from faltering mental illness. His Good Kid / M.A.A.D. Following his break-up with Brittany Byrd, Uzi found himself in a bad space. Lil Wayne, in one of his most transparent verses, addresses many of things that makes him mad, but he also talks about his suicide attempt at a young age. Logic has called “1-800-273-8255” the “most important song” of his career. Weezy has mentioned the shooting before but this is the first time that he reveals it was an actual suicide attempt. On “Self-Care,” Mac Miller is on a journey filled with pain, addiction, mental illness, and heartbreak that tragically would ultimately be the forces that caused his life, left the culture with many questions about how to address mental illness and drug usage. Wayne opened the door for rappers to share openly about the destructive nature of addiction and how mental illness impacts us in numerous ways. From his album I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside, Earl Sweatshirt takes on the topic of grief head-on. Pharoahe Monch & Denaun Porter – “Losing My Mind” (2014), “Losing My Mind,” is Pharoahe Monch’s attempt to add to the collective conversation of the need for therapy in the African American community. Photo Credit: Vickey Ford for Okayplayer. On “Grief,” Sweatshirt deals with the angst of human mortality. This list includes songs about overcoming the struggle or getting out of the projects. 7 Answers. The story in the song is about a “fancy girl” or a prostitute flagging down flashy cars. Featured on his highly acclaimed LP, “u” explores his previous encounters with depression, suicidal thoughts, and survivor’s guilt. Photo Credit: Vickey Ford for Okayplayer. Lil Wayne, in one of his most transparent verses, addresses many of things that makes him mad, but he also talks about his suicide attempt at a young age.
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