Hip-Hop Artists Have Been Writing About Mental Health For Decades

“What really inspired the thread was the backlash of people that aren’t as in tune to hip-hop,” he said. “A lot of hip-hop artists have used their song and what they go through not only to connect with their fans, but to find healing in themselves. I identify [with that].”

Growing up in The Bronx, New York, Simpson says he was always surrounded by hip-hop, but it wasn’t until he was hospitalized for neuromyelitis optica and forced to have his left eye permanently removed that he started to analyze rap lyrics. 

“I literally had to look at the world from a different perspective and being able to identify with artists and knowing that I am not alone keeps me grounded,” he said. 

His thread inspired a dialogue from hip-hop fans around the internet, with many chiming in with their own favorite mental health-related verse. Even those who first tweeted to talk about men of color and mental health helped get the conversation going. 

More and more people are speaking up on the subject: Kid Cudi is one of several celebrities to challenge mental health stigma and use their platform for mass reach. Zayn Malik, Wayne Brady, Howie Mandel among other artists, personalities and actors have come forward to open up about working through mental health, and it’s a good thing: nearly 60 million Americans per year suffer in some way from mental illness and each voice that comes forward reduces the stigma against it.

Hip-hop’s conversation about mental health is nothing new, Simpson says. It turns out fans have been communing over these important lyrics all along. 

“It’s also a transformative process,” Simpson said. “These lyrics spread awareness.” 

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.