Hey, Drake: Mocking Mental Illness Isn’t Okay

Drake’s new song insults Kid Cudi for his mental illness, and we’re not here for it.

by Danielle Sinay

Drake released a set of brand-new tracks on Apple Music on Monday – and everyone was thrilled. But we were in for an unsettling surprise upon listening to “Two Birds One Stone,” in which Drake insults Kid Cudi for his life-long battle with mental illness.

For context: A few weeks ago, Kid Cudi announced that he was seeking professional help for anxiety and depression, and had just checked himself into rehab. His earnest confession was met with praise, and the internet rallied to support him, inspiring the hashtag #YouGoodMan in his honor.

“Its been difficult for me to find the words to what Im about to share with you because I feel ashamed,” Kid Cudi’s Facebook post read. “My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember…Yesterday I checked myself into rehab for depression and suicidal urges….I feel so ashamed. Im sorry. I love you.”

(No need to apologize, Kid.)

Now, fast forward to Monday when Drake releases “Two Birds One Stone.” The lyrics are as follows:

“You were the man on the moon, now you go through your phases / Life of the angry and famous / Rap like I know I’m the greatest and give you the tropical flavors / Still never been on hiatus / You stay xan and perked up so when reality set in you don’t gotta face it.”

Drake refers to depression as a “phase,” and declares that while Kid Cudi is taking a break to prioritize his health, Drake himself has never gone on hiatus – as if that makes him stronger or better (it doesn’t). Drake also references – a prescribed medication that treats anxiety and panic disorder – and insinuates that taking medication to better manage one’s health isn’t taking the initiative to stay healthy, but instead, rejecting reality. UM.

Drake clearly has no comprehension of how mental illness works, and instead of choosing to educate himself on a topic that affects so many people (including celebrities, SIR), he uses Kid’s brave confession against him, a fellow rapper, to put himself (Drake) on a higher pedestal.

CLASSY.

Mental illness is nothing to make light of. One in four people suffer from some form of mental illness, including a lot of celebrities: Kylie Jenner struggles with anxiety, for one — as does Amanda Seyfried, who openly uses medication to treat it.

Despite Drake’s commentary, struggling with mental illness and seeking treatment – whether that’s medication or something else – doesn’t make you any weaker. In fact, acknowledging what you need to be your best self is one of the strongest things you can do.

And insulting anyone for putting their health first is one of the lowest blows you can deliver, even in a (poorly executed) rap-verse-roast. 

Go home, Drake. You’re rude.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1?800?273?TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat.