It’s 2016 and there are just some things that we, as black folks, must start de-stigmatizing. One is the incredible mental health strain many of us face for many reasons, sometimes simply as a result of being black in America. Yes, black folks are strong. But that doesn’t mean we can’t concurrently be depressed, manic and, at times, suicidal.
Earlier this month, after months of erratic behavior including stalking his baby’s mother and publicly ranting against Kanye West and Drake, rapper Kid Cudi admitted what many suspected — he was struggling mentally. In an October 4 post to his Facebook page Cudi spoke candidly about his depression and suicidal thoughts;
“Its been difficult for me to find the words to what Im about to share with you because I feel ashamed. Ashamed to be a leader and hero to so many while admitting I’ve been living a lie. It took me a while to get to this place of commitment, but it is something I have to do for myself, my family, my best friend/daughter and all of you, my fans.
Yesterday I checked myself into rehab for depression and suicidal urges.
I am not at peace. I haven’t been since you’ve known me. If I didn’t come here, I wouldve done something to myself. I simply am a damaged human swimming in a pool of emotions everyday of my life. Theres a ragin violent storm inside of my heart at all times. Idk what peace feels like. Idk how to relax. My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember and I never leave the house because of it. I cant make new friends because of it. I dont trust anyone because of it and Im tired of being held back in my life. I deserve to have peace. I deserve to be happy and smiling. Why not me? I guess I give so much of myself to others I forgot that I need to show myself some love too. I think I never really knew how. Im scared, im sad, I feel like I let a lot of people down and again, Im sorry. Its time I fix me. Im nervous but ima get through this.”
Support for Cudi was nearly unanimous, with many people applauding his bravery for vocalizing what many feel but never say.
But apparently Drake was not impressed. In a song released yesterday titled Two Birds, One Stone, the rapper slammed Cudi.
You were the man on the moon
Now you just go through your phases
Life of the angry and famous
Rap like I know I’m the greatest
Then give you the tropical flavors
Still never been on hiatus
You stay xanned and perked up
So when reality set in you don’t gotta face it
Man on the Moon is the title of Cudi’s debut album.
So far Black Twitter is giving Drake an education and we can only hope he receives the lesson. Because this is pretty low.