Big Sean Opens Up Depression Battle
Big Sean reflected on his openness about battling depression following Nipsey Hussle's death, crediting his decision to speak publicly about his mental health struggles as key to his personal healing. The rapper said sharing his story also provided comfort to fans dealing with their own mental health challenges, highlighting hip-hop's growing embrace of vulnerability and wellness discussions.
- Before publicly discussing his struggles, Big Sean canceled a 2018 tour with Playboi Carti, later citing the need to work through depression and anxiety. - The rapper revealed that at his lowest point, he was "broken on the inside" and contemplated suicide, even while experiencing immense career success and financial wealth. - His healing process involved seeking professional help, and he has shared that his decision to go to therapy inspired his own father to begin therapy as well. - Big Sean took a four-year break between albums to prioritize his mental health, a period of rediscovery that heavily influenced his 2020 album, *Detroit 2*. - He paid tribute to Nipsey Hussle in their posthumously released collaboration "Deep Reverence," a track where he also touches on his mental health journey and reaching out to Kendrick Lamar to squash a rumored beef. - To share the methods that aided his recovery, he has authored a self-help book titled "Go Higher: Five Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace." - His openness is part of a larger trend in hip-hop, with artists like Kid Cudi, Jay-Z, and Kendrick Lamar also speaking about therapy and mental health, helping to destigmatize the topic within the genre. - A 2020 content analysis of popular rap songs from 1998 to 2018 found a significant increase in lyrical references to depression, suicide, and other mental health struggles.
