The artwork of hip-hop allows for a certain level of disclosure. One that embodies the honesty and core pain of a lot of its artists. Living with a mental health issue is no laughing matter. Our artists aren’t an exclusive club and are just affected as us common folk. Some artists will put it in front of your face and spell it out for you. Such as Kanye West’s 2007 song “Clique” where he clearly was going through a bout of depression and had suicidal ideations.
“Went through, deep depression when my mama passed, suicide, what kinda talk is that” –a mental disorder
Other times the signs aren’t that clear and could resemble a case of misfortune or general sadness. These type of signs go unnoticed and unaddressed which leads to more discomfort the affected and community that surrounds them. Rapper Kendrick Lamar was affected deeply by the killings of three his close friends affected him. The death itself had an impact, but also the survivor’s guilt that comes with being alive to tell the story itself. His interview with Rob Markman from MTV news speaks to this inner pain.
Three of my homeboys [one] summertime was murdered, close ones too, not just somebody that I hear about. These [are] people I grew up with. It all, psychologically, it messes your brain up. You live in this life, you know what I’m saying, but you still have to face realities of this. I gotta get back off that tour bus and go to these funerals”
If you haven’t been checking closely lately, rappers are
going to the therapist now. Even rap royalty Jay-Z spoke about his trip to the therapist on his song “Smile” from his latest album 4:44. Rappers Kid Cudi and Kanye West also have sought mental health services in the past years for their respective issues.
In reality, the same beats and rhymes that we’ve grown to love are also tools for treating mental health issues. Studies have shown that writing and music have both been tools to treat depression in the past. Writing helps to decrease anxiety, manage triggers, allows for self-regulation and helps to address depression.
Music has also been used to bridge the gap between the traditional form of therapy into something that provides an added depth of meaning for the client. A study conducted by a number of researchers illustrated the cathartic nature that music therapy can bring.
“Music creates powerful connections between people as it provides a means to communicate, entertain, remember, mourn, or celebrate the lives of people”
“The strong emotional connection most have to music becomes a powerful catalyst in people’s lives as they seek higher meaning
and healing”
Psychologist Don Elligan spoke about his 6 step rap therapy approach in
his book “Rap Therapy: A Practical Guide for Communicating with Youth and Young Adults Through Rap Music”
Check out this video to learn more about this innovative approach to healing the spirit. This process involves building a rapport with the client through normal Socratic methods, but with a focus on understanding the underlying reasons for behavior through music.
For example: A client could be suffering from bouts of grief caused by a sudden death of a family member. A session with a therapist who specializes in rap therapy could help this client weave through their feelings by suggesting music that counters that unwanted narrative in their heads or discovers where the pain is really coming from by dissecting the lyrics to their favorite songs.
This method has become so popular that youth development organizations are now incorporating it into their curriculums. Beats, Rhymes, and Life based in Oakland, California use this innovate approach in addressing Tier 1-Tier 3 behaviors in young adults. Their goal is to address the PTSD and other mental health challenges of the youth in Oakland through their therapy and creative outlets. Tomas Alvarez the founder has received national notoriety for the work he’s done in his community.
The hip-hop community as a whole benefit when its artists vouch for mental health. Rapper Logic said it best, “therapy is gangsta”. It’s not only a necessity for our adults but our kids as well. Without the emotional depth, that experience brings the hidden pain of our youth is overshadowed by so much of the stigmas behind mental health in our communities. Make a point to check-in with your child and loved ones at home. Traditional forms of therapy might not be the correct outlet, but hip-hop…therapy is always a safe place for our people.
Daunte Henderson, founder of the MADEMAN Foundation, author, and educator based in Chicago. You can follow him at @brotherhenderson on IG
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