

“Stress,” which was produced by Buckwild, accurately depicted the lived experiences of young Black America during the '90s. Organized Konfusion’s anthem about stress helped to change the narrative about the intersection of mental health and hip-hop. The song ends in tragedy with a single gunshot, followed by the phone being left off the hook. He calls Puff Daddy to explain the decision that he has already come to terms with.

“Suicidal Thoughts” is a suicide note that finds Big conflicted about the hand that life had dealt him. The Notorious B.I.G - "Suicidal Thoughts" (1994)ĭeath was a common theme in The Notorious B.I.G.'s music and never is it more apparent than on “Suicidal Thoughts.” Produced by the legendary Lord Finesse, “Suicidal Thoughts” was arguably one of the most exceptional rap songs on the late rapper’s debut album Ready to Die. The truth behind the song gives it an authenticity that is still felt 30 years later. “My Mind Playing Tricks On” Me” was a reflection of Scarface’s own inner turmoil, at the time struggling as a manic-depressive. Scarface, Willie D, and Bushwick Bill vividly describe the various mental states of paranoia, schizophrenia, and depression. In their classic “Mind is Playing Tricks on Me,” from their debut album We Can’t Be Stopped, The Geto Boys capture the reality of Post Traumatic Syndrome within urban communities. The Geto Boys - "Mind Playing Tricks on Me" (1991) So, in honor of Mental Awareness Month, here's a roundup of 34 memorable rap songs about depression, featuring tracks from Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, and more. All these states of transparency in their music help to promote a fuller understanding of mental health.


Top rap songs of 2021 professional#
Hip-hop artists have delved deeper into discussing the reality of mental wellness and how it affects their personal and professional lives, from being vocal about getting therapy to coping through self-care. The late Prodigy once said, “hip-hop is our therapy.” But the conversation around mental health is constantly evolving beyond that notion - beyond the catharsis of making and consuming music. And historically, rap music has always served as a medium for artists to share their struggles. Though society has recently developed the language and perspective to expand our understanding - through data and first-hand accounts - the current conversation surrounding mental health and depression isn't quite new it's been subtly channeled through music through time.
Top rap songs of 2021 Offline#
The national conversation surrounding mental wellness - online and offline - has aided in the stigma of suffering from depression being removed, slowly but surely. All of these aforementioned artists make an appearance on our Top 35 Hottest Hip-Hop Songs of 2021 list below.Topics centered around mental health and depression dominate our public discourse.
Top rap songs of 2021 full#
Nonetheless, for the music business, things are resuming to "normalcy" as best they can- that is to say, we're seeing new tour announcements pop up daily, and while the beginning of the pandemic may have brought some hesitancy as far as what's the best protocol for releasing new music, 2021 has pretty much been back in full swing, with major song releases (and album rollouts to match) from OGs like Nas, perpetually-cool artists like Drake and Tyler, the Creator, as well as newcomers like Baby Keem and EST Gee. The pandemic continues to affect all of our lives in disparate ways, depending on location, age, work, and living situation meaning that, for most of us, life still hasn't necessarily returned to "normal." There is still some way in which we are grappling with the pandemic aftermath, or the virus itself, whether it be via local rules and regulations or the simple fact that we were pretty much collectively shut down all of 2020. It's hard to believe we're already back at year-end list time, as it's formally referred to.
