Lil Wayne advocates mental health in new interview

Why is this a big moment for the industry?

Lil Wayne’s conversation is another example of the industry shifting away from ego-centric self-aggrandization and instead leaning into confessional honesty and transparency.

We’ve written before about how mental health has become a larger focus across the board in music over the last decade, with hip-hop and trap seeing the quickest evolution in themes and tones.

It follows a similar shift in celebrity culture too, as audiences and the general public becomes more receptive to mental health issues and privacy.

The use of social media to express feelings of anxiety or depression has made the connection between an individual and their audience much more fluid and authentic.

This can be seen in sport alongside music and celebrities. Just in the last few months, top professionals have pulled out of finals due to mental health concerns. Tennis player Naomi Osaka resigned early from the French Open this year, later tweeting to explain her actions and opening up about her bouts of depression.

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— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021

We’re likely to see more public statements such as Lil Wayne’s interview throughout this decade and beyond.

Gen Z is paving the way for a more empathetic, genuine, and healthy relationship between creators, professionals, and audiences. The more top-end figures being this open, the better for everyone.