Big Sean Opens Up About 'Very Deep Depression' After Nipsey Hussle's Death

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Big Sean is reflecting on his experience with depression and anxiety following the death of his close friend and collaborator, rapper Nipsey Hussle. In an interview, Sean said he 'hit a wall' and had to make the choice to either 'climb over it or let it crush' him. The 'Wolves' singer detailed how he lost touch with himself due to his commitment to work, leading to a 'very deep battle of depression' that was deeper than what he experienced as a teenager. As a result, Sean took a break from the music industry to prioritize his mental health.

Why it matters

Big Sean's openness about his mental health struggles after Nipsey Hussle's death sheds light on the impact that the loss of a close friend and collaborator can have, especially in the Black community where mental health issues are often stigmatized. His story highlights the importance of seeking help and taking breaks to prioritize one's well-being, even for successful artists.

The details

In the interview, Big Sean detailed the moment he 'hit a wall' with his depression, saying he either had to 'climb over it or it was gonna fall on me and crush me.' He explained that his commitment to work led him to lose touch 'with the person that I was,' which he believes led to 'a very deep battle of depression, deeper than I experienced when I was like a teenager.' As a result, the rapper decided to take a break from the music industry to focus on his mental health, saying 'You got to be serious about having fun, because as fast as time goes, we're here for a limited amount of time.'

• Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed in March 2019 at age 33.

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