Record labels, managers, and industry professionals have a responsibility to prioritize the well-being of their artists. Additionally, the struggles faced by rappers with drug addiction can serve as a cautionary tale for their peers. Witnessing the consequences of substance abuse can potentially prompt other artists to reflect on their own behaviors and make positive changes. The world of rap music has witnessed the struggles of several notable artists battling drug addiction. These individuals, who often find themselves in the spotlight, have faced personal challenges while also influencing their fans and peers.
Unsinkable: Transform Your Mental Well-Being Through Powerful Stories
We drink to get drunk and yet alcohol also frees us from our inhibitions. A reminder for all of those recovered alcoholics about the morning after. There are a million different opinions online, but when it comes to your life, health and wellness only peer reviewed reputable data matters.
“The Substance” – A Haunting Reflection on Womanhood and Identity
- Numerous artists have channeled their battles with substance abuse into their songs, using music as both a therapeutic medium and a platform to shed light on the harsh truths of addiction.
- I was starting to make music with Ryan Lewis and I wrote a song called “Otherside.” I hadn’t had any music really connect until we put out the “VS.
- In 2007, Eminem suffered a methadone overdose, which was a wake-up call for him.
- He describes Kenny Chesney’s 1998 hit, “That’s Why I’m Here,” as “the single most AA meeting song I’ve ever heard,” a joyful song about recovery.
The addict has no boundaries either unless they make a conscious choice. Neil Young wrote about this song, “I am not a preacher, but drugs killed a lot of great men.” The song is a melodic dirge lamenting deaths caused by heroin overdoses that haunt with sober rappers its words. Young described this as “a little song,” but it has become an anthem about drug fatalities, more specifically as a result of heroin addiction. In 2010, he was arrested for possession of cocaine, which led to public acknowledgment of his drug problem. In response to his struggles, Kid Cudi checked himself into a rehab facility in 2016.
Xanax, Ecstasy and Codeine Celebrated in Rap Community
Through concerts, public service announcements, and social media engagement, they aim to destigmatize addiction and provide resources for those in need. More artists have opened up about mental illness, which often co-occurs with addiction. Mainstream rappers have spoken candidly about topics such as anxiety and depression to raise awareness and eliminate stigma. Around this time, rap songs praising marijuana use began to experience commercial success. Then other rappers, including Dr. Dre, started positively portraying smoking cannabis in their music and during interviews. The influence of peer groups and the environment cannot be underestimated when examining drug addiction in the rap industry.
Treatment Options for Rappers with Drug Addiction
Jermaine Cole is a 33 year old rapper from Fayetteville, North Carolina. His latest release, KOD, is a long meditation on addiction, whether it be chemical dependency, a tantalizing lifestyle, or sexual addiction. It takes place at a house party and contains a back and forth conversation between Kendrick’s conscious and himself. Kendrick debates the consequences of continuing to drink more alcohol and the societal pressures that are pushing him to do it. To people who are struggling right now, recovery starts with being honest with yourself, and then seeking help. The natural tendency as someone with active addiction is to hide, to lie, to manipulate.