These rappers’ stories highlight the importance of seeking help, finding support networks, and making the commitment to change. They serve as role models for individuals facing similar challenges, proving that recovery is a possibility. Not many rappers have been in rehab twice, but Famous Dex has. The first time was in December 2020, when he voluntarily sought out professional help. Dex has had several legal issues throughout his career and has been arrested a few times. In June 2022, he violated a protective order filed against him by his ex-girlfriend and was subsequently sent to jail.
Spurred by the arrival of Cypress Hill’s self-titled debut album in 1991 and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic in 1992, marijuana’s popularity increased exponentially, peaking in 1993 as the most popular drug in hip-hop. By the mid-1990s, the percentage of rap songs with drug references increased from just four tracks in the early 1980s to 45 percent of all hip-hop tracks. While hip-hop has seen the adverse consequences, the U.S. as a whole is dealing with the drug problem on a larger scale. According to The National Institution for Drug Abuse, over 40 million people report suffering from a substance abuse disorder. On last week’s episode of “Love & Hip Hop,” Joe Budden shocked everyone (especially his ex Tahiry) by passing a drug test.
During this time, he also began misusing Xanax and other sedative medications. Lil Wayne isn’t the only rap artist to deal with drug dependence. A number of rappers of all backgrounds have grappled with substance use disorders. This synthetic drug contains mood-altering properties that produce feelings of pleasure, warmth and energy.
DMX got vulnerable in a new interview with Talib Kweli on his People’s Party show, sharing his story of crack addiction and how it started. If you are impacted by any of the issues in this article, details of help and support are available on the BBC Action Line. With the truth out about the fatal consequences of the string of illicit and synthetic drugs, it should prove interesting to see how the music — Hip Hop music to be exact — echoes the message going forward. Cole was being celebrated for his Album Of The Year-winning K.O.D., a project ripe with anti-inebriation anthems, and Mac Miller was being mourned following his accidental drug overdose death that September.
Collaborative efforts between artists, industry sober rappers professionals, and mental health experts can lead to a more supportive environment for rappers struggling with drug addiction. By sharing their struggles and triumphs, these rappers not only break the stigma surrounding addiction but also inspire others to seek help and make positive changes in their lives. Their stories emphasize the importance of promoting mental health and providing support within the music industry. Together, we can work towards creating a more compassionate and understanding environment for all artists. The music industry can be a highly demanding and stressful environment, often leading to mental health challenges. By openly discussing their struggles with drug addiction, rappers help to shed light on the importance of mental health and well-being within the industry.
This section explores the valuable lessons that can be gleaned from these experiences and the road to recovery for those struggling with addiction. While many musicians struggle with drugs and alcohol, others choose to remain sober or get clean after experiences with addiction. Some famous rappers who don’t drink or do drugs went to rehab while other sober rappers quit cold turkey. A few famous rap stars who are sober even inspired other hip hop stars to kick their addictions for good. Coverage on the abuse of hard drugs in the community usually focuses on tragedy surrounding certain popular rappers rather than the lyrics and the culture they create.
Also known as molly and MDMA, the drug often shows up at nightclubs and concerts. In songs and interviews, Jay-Z has discussed the ubiquity of drugs he saw while growing up in Brooklyn in the 1980s. The streets of New York were rife with illicit substances, and Jay-Z saw evidence of crack use everywhere. Those who survived their use of the drug dealt with severe physical and psychological problems that included hallucinations, seizures, psychosis, depression and addiction. Rappers often struggle with a variety of drugs, including opioids, Xanax, cocaine, and codeine.
A rapper merely echoes his environment, surroundings, influences and experiences. 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. However, following the death of a close friend of his, rapper Proof, Em relapsed in 2006. In 2007, the rapper almost died due to an accidental methadone overdose.
Some rappers have partnered with organizations and launched campaigns to support addiction recovery. Through concerts, public service announcements, and social media engagement, they aim to destigmatize addiction and provide resources for those in need. It is important to recognize that the personal struggles of these rappers should not define their entire identity. They are individuals facing complex challenges, and their experiences serve as a reminder of the need for compassion, understanding, and support within the music industry and beyond. Hip Hop’s influence is indeed definitive, hardened and tangible. But even its artists, fans and utmost steadfast participants aren’t immune to the pitfalls induced by culture in the United States.
