The mother of late rapper Juice WRLD sent a powerful message on World Mental Health Day with a heartfelt open letter that addressed her son’s internal struggles.
Juice WRLD’s Mother Opens Up About Her Son
To commemorate World Mental Health Day, Carmella Wallace announced the launch of a new website for the Live Free 999 Fund. According to the Live Free 999 mission statement, the organization supports programs that “provide preventative measures and positive avenues to address mental health challenges and substance dependency.”
Juice WRLD, a.k.a. Jarad Anthony Higgins, passed away on Dec. 8, 2019, after a drug-related seizure.
“Jarad and I often had frank discussions about his struggles with addiction, anxiety and depression,” the rapper’s mother wrote. “I think he felt comfortable being honest with me because I never judged him. I recognized that what Jarad was dealing with was a disease and I know he truly wanted to be free from the demons that tormented him. As a parent, I believed early on and supported Jarad having access to counseling. I encouraged him to always share his feelings.
“I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love following the loss of my son. His loving spirit which is communicated through his music has touched so many people. I launched Live Free 999 so that perhaps his death could mean something for other mothers whose sons and daughters are dealing with the same kinds of issues that my son struggled with.”
G Herbo Launches Mental Health Initiative ‘Swervin’ Through Stress’
Chicago rapper G Herbo recently started an initiative to provide mental health services at no cost aimed at Black youth. Herbo teamed up with Audiomack to create Swervin’ Through Stress. The initiative’s Dream Team Therapy Fund will provide 3 months of therapy sessions for Black youth ages 18 to 25.
ANNOUNCING SWERVIN’ THROUGH STRESS – IM WORKING WITH @NAMICOMMUNICATE, @AUDIOMACK, AND @INNOPSYCH TO HELP INCREASE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AMONGST BLACK YOUNG ADULTS AND DESTIGMATIZE BLACK CULTURAL NARRATIVES ABOUT THERAPY. – G Herbo’s Instagram
Herbo also went online with a staggering statistic about the need for mental health care but lack of treatment.
“WHILE 75% OF ALL LIFETIME MENTAL ILLNESSES WILL BEGIN BY THE AGE OF 24, ONLY 1 OUT OF 3 AFRICAN AMERICANS WHO NEED MENTAL HEALTH CARE RECEIVE IT. EARLY INTERVENTION CAN HELP REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF AN ILLNESS. ACCESS TO RESOURCES IS ESSENTIAL”
Polo G Honors Juice WRLD With Tattoo
Chicago rapper Polo G remembered his late friend Juice WRLD with some ink for the fellow Chi native. The piece is on his shoulder and features a globe with Juice’s “999” phrase inside it.
“Still see my grandmas??I still see my guyzzz???” -Polo G’s Twitter
Juice WRLD’s Legends Never Die Lives Up To The Hype
The much-anticipated posthumous project Legends Never Die was a hit for the late Juice WRLD when it was released earlier this year. It features a slew of collaborations from Trippie Redd, Halsey, Marshmello and Polo G.
Legends Never Die, the first posthumous album from Chicago rapper Juice WRLD, has arrived. The new LP features “Life’s a Mess” (with Halsey), as well as “Righteous,” “Come & Go” (with Marshmello), and “Tell Me U Luv Me” (with Trippie Redd). In addition to “Come & Go,” Marshmello appears on Juice WRLD’s “Hate the Other Side” along with Polo G and Kid Laroi. The album is bookended by spoken-word clips from Juice WRLD, with the final track titled “Juice WRLD Speaks From Heaven – Outro.” (Pitchfork)
G Herbo went to his social media pages to share Juice’s LP artwork. Herbo also dug deeper and referenced their close-knit bond.
“IM HONORED TO SAY I REALLY KNEW YOU KID! YOU WAS REALLY MY LIL BROTHER & THATS THE COLDEST SHIT IN THE ? TO ME.. JUICE? 999 LEGENDS NEVER DIE @juicewrld999 ❤️” -G Herbo’s Instagram
