Big Sean has opened up about his mental health struggles after the death of Nipsey Hussle.
Hussle was fatally shot outside his Marathon Clothing store in South Los Angeles in March 2019. In 2022, Eric Holder Jr., the man who fatally shot Hussle, was convicted of first-degree murder, and he was later sentenced to at least 60 years in prison.
Following Hussle’s death, Big Sean paid tribute to him with the track ‘Deep Reverence’ in 2021, which featured a posthumous verse from Hussle himself.
He also shared how he struggled with and sought therapy for depression and anxiety at the time. Now, he’s opened up about his decision to speak publicly about his mental health.
In an interview with ABC News, host Linsey Davis asks him what it felt like to open up about a topic that is “very taboo in the black community,” to which he responded: “I was just sharing what was going on in my life. I didn’t realise that I was being so vulnerable. I wasn’t trying to be a spokesperson for mental health per se.”
“I was just expressing how I was going into therapy and experiencing a time of heavy ups and downs, a time of depression,” he added.
The rapper then went on to reflect on that part of his life, saying: “It felt like I hit a wall… and I either had to climb over it, or it was gonna fall on me and crush me.
“I had been so about my work that I lost touch with the person that I was. So, I think that led to a very deep battle of depression, deeper than I experienced when I was like a teenager,” he continued.
He went on to say: “I had to take time away from the music industry being my first obligation, and I had to put myself first.”
Hussle’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from the world of hip-hop. A huge tribute to the rapper was held at the 2020 Grammys, with Meek Mill, John Legend, DJ Khaled and more all coming together to celebrate Hussle’s life and career.
In 2022, Hussle was posthumously honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with a ceremony that recognised the late rapper’s contribution to music as well as his philanthropic efforts in the community.
For further help and advice on mental health:
“Am I depressed?” – Help and advice on mental health and what to do next
MITC – A collective of musician industry therapists
TONIC Rider – Bespoke training and support for music industry professionals
Help Musicians UK – Around the clock mental health support and advice for musicians
Music Support Org – Help and support for musicians struggling with alcoholism, addiction, or mental health issues
YOUNG MINDS – The voice for young people’s health and wellbeing
CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably
The Samaritans – Confidential support 24 hours a day
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