Music artist Logic featuring Khalid and Alessia Cara raising awareness for suicide prevention.
By Lindsey Ruiz
Suicide is a topic that most choose not to discuss, but discussions are popping up more than usual recently, all over the world. In articles, movies, videos and most recently music, suicide has become a tenet of discussion. Hip-Hop music artist Logic with co-artists Alessia Cara and Khalid are breaking the chain by creating a positive anthem that helps showcase suicide prevention.
“I’ve been on the low / I been taking my time / I feel like I’m out of my mind / It feel like my life ain’t mine / Who can relate?” The opening lines to Logics newest song,”1-800-273-8255”, are literally a cry for help.
On April 28, 2017, Logic released the tune that has been blowing up the charts. The name of the song just so happened to the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (NSPH). On this day, the NSPH received its second highest number of calls in the history of the organization, following right behind when president Donald Trump was elected. The NSPH received a total of 4,573 calls, which resulted in a 27 percent surge.
Logic has said many times that his fans are the reason he writes his particular songs. “1-800-273-8255” was inspired by fans who told him that his music got them through the worst times in their lives, especially where they struggled with things such as depression and anxiety.
In a collection of tweets the week the song was released, Logic wrote, “Over the years so many of you guys have told me that my music has helped you through so many tough times. Many of you have told me it’s even saved your life. I’m beyond humbled. But I felt I haven’t done enough. … I made this song for all of you who are in a dark place and can’t seem to find the light.”
On August 27, 2017, Logic gave an outstanding performance that allowed suicide survivors into the spotlight, to show that no matter the situation, you can get past it. Logic ended the performance saying, “I just want to take a moment right now and thank you all so much for giving me a platform to talk about something that mainstream media doesn’t want to talk about. Mental health, anxiety, suicide, depression and so much more that I talk about on this album.” The performance caused the NSPH to receive approximately 5,041 calls, a 50 percent increase. Since the performance, the NSPH has received a consistent flow of calls.
“We are so grateful to Logic and his efforts in suicide prevention,” said Dr. John Draper, director of NSPH. “While his song has certainly prompted more persons to contact the Lifeline over the past few months, its greater message that healing and hope are happening for people in a suicidal crisis has a broader public health impact that can’t be fully measured.”
Logic’s message was crystal clear with “1-800-273-8255”: raise awareness of mental illness and offer a step toward crisis prevention. The song ends with a verse from Khalid. “I don’t wanna cry anymore / I wanna feel alive / I don’t even wanna die anymore / Oh I don’t wanna / I don’t wanna / I don’t even wanna die anymore.” It represents a turning point in the thought of suicide. “1-800-273-8255” is an amazing song that embodies so much, and it is grabbing the attention of all ages.
Draper said, “It’s not just about the calls; it’s about increasing awareness about suicide, and suicide prevention in particular. The calls don’t even begin to count the number of people who, just by listening to the song and hearing the lyrics, feel more hopeful and less alone. There’s really no measuring that impact.”
