If you do a simple Google search for “Kid Cudi saved my life,” you will find thousands of posts, comments, and interviews describing how Scott Mescudi, rapper and hip-hop artist, has contributed to the prevention of suicide among young people aged 25 and under. Cudi has battled severe depression himself and was the first to shift the conversation in hip-hop towards addressing mental health issues. Cudi inspired a generation of teenagers and young adults to speak openly about their battles with depression. By allowing himself to openly discuss his anxiety, grief, depression, and survivor’s guilt, he paved the way for his audience to be open and vulnerable as well. In 2016, Cudi was not afraid to share with his fans that he had checked himself into rehab because he had strong suicidal urges and set an example that it is acceptable to ask for help when needed. Cudi also works to combat the stigma associated with suicide, thereby saving lives. In Egypt, the topics of serious mental health disorders have also come to light in a more explicit fashion, Zap Tharwat, an Egyptian rapper tackled mental health issues prevalent in…
