As we showed in our earlier brief, the increase in deaths since 2001 equates to the loss of an additional 400,000 lives, about the same as the number of U.S. men who died in World War II. But the racial pattern of drug deaths has also shifted, with Black and AI/AN men now at the highest risk. In Washington D.C., Black men are over nine times more likely to die from a drug overdose, a disparity similar to that of other urban areas in the region.
Common references in lyrics
Contemporary hip-hop continues to evolve in how it addresses these themes. While some artists focus on cautionary tales, others explore different perspectives. This diversity of approach reflects the genre’s role in broader social conversations. From early hip-hop to contemporary tracks, these themes have evolved alongside changes in society. While some artists focus on consequences and cautionary tales, others approach the topic differently, leading to ongoing discussions about artistic expression and social responsibility. One artist won’t change the epidemic’s course just like censoring EST Gee’s mentioning of “fentanyl” on his song “Sky Dweller” won’t prevent the crisis from continuing.
Eminem
While Juice WRLD is the latest rapper to die from a reported drug overdose, he is by far alone amongst his musical peers who have also died too young. The following list rappers with drug addictions highlights how the hip-hop community, like all, is not immune to the deadly influences of the drug culture. Much like the battle against COVID-19, the drug and opioid epidemic has created its own host of challenges that influence the music, trends and peripheral creation of the art. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths increased by nearly five percent from 2018 to 2019 and have even quadrupled since 1999. The beloved but troubled rapper died of a fatal mixture of cocaine and the prescription drug Tramadol in 2004. It’s rumored that his drug abuse was some kind of self-medication for mental instability, but whatever the case, his powers on the mic are dearly missed.
Black faith leaders fight harmful Christian nationalism
However, artists have openly discussed their experiences with substance abuse in their music and public interviews over time. The reasons behind their strong dependence on alcohol and drugs are diverse. It can include cultural influences, socioeconomic backgrounds, mental health struggles, and the desire to portray a particular image. Fortunately, artists who struggle with addiction often take the bold step of going to rehab.
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- The rapper, whose real name is Rhys Herbert, pleaded guilty last May to importing 3.6 kilos of cannabis in June and July 2023 and a further charge of supplying cannabis.
- Many rappers who grew up around drugs have positively portrayed substance use in their music.
- One artist won’t change the epidemic’s course just like censoring EST Gee’s mentioning of “fentanyl” on his song “Sky Dweller” won’t prevent the crisis from continuing.
- He has been a vocal supporter of the legalization of marijuana and has spoken candidly about his affinity for the drug.
He has been a vocal supporter of the legalization of marijuana and has spoken candidly about his affinity for the drug. In Twelve-step program 2015, he launched Leafs by Snoop, a line of marijuana strains. The following year, he began producing a show for MTV about two snake people who run a marijuana-delivery business. Despite his repulsion, Jay-Z began selling crack in the 1980s.
People have https://ecosoberhouse.com/ lost their lives to drugs, and their families will never be the same. I know people who have struggled with drug abuse, and it has taken a toll on their families. I want drugs to be gone from our society, but I know logically that will not happen.
In a recent interview with MTV, the platinum-selling rapper revealed he developed a drinking problem at the age of thirteen. In his past, oxycontin and syrup have caused him near-death experiences. On “Otherside,” Macklemore raps about Lil Wayne being a major influence of his personal codeine addiction.
- Whether they’re mentioned on the radio, seen in music videos, or smuggled into concerts, drugs are pretty much unavoidable in the genre.
- As the genre continues to evolve, many artists choose to use their influence to promote awareness, education, and positive change.
- Melle Mel helped the public acknowledge the struggles of addiction through his music.
- The use of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, began to surge in Black communities around 2014–2015, with mortality rates rising sharply by the late 2010s.
- On that note, here are five artists to have spoken out against lean and Xanax.
- Their 1995 record, Smokin’ N’ Leanin’, is littered with references to syrup, some 20 years before Atlanta’s Future released Dirty Sprite 2—an ode to the drug he denies being addicted to.
Lil Wayne – “I Feel Like Dying”
“I was just numb. You told me that I was doing good or told me I was doing bad, you hated me or loved me, either which way I greeted with nonchalance. It was sincere nonchalance — like, I really didn’t care.” A number of photographs also showed Herbert handling large amounts of cash, the court was told. ‘He is clearly in a unique position to obtain these drugs without being in a chain for many years, and you honour knows those reasons. The court heard Herbert had six previous convictions for 13 offences, including possessing an offensive weapon and violent disorder for which he was sentenced to 30 months youth detention in March 2020. Despite the substances, Jackson claimed that his on-camera performances as “Gurning Rave Guy” were totally deliberate. If I stopped ONE kid from abusing xans or lean, mission accomplished..better than getting ONE kid to try that shit.