‘Face(s)’ Behind The Lyrics

By: Alisha Rai

Photo: Anisha Pawar

Rap culture has been stereotypically thought to be focused on materialism. However, when the rhythms sync up with the blues it’s not merely about wealth and gaining Grammy awards; instead, it’s about finding common ground in the human experience.

For decades, rap has been an outlet for individuals from oppressed communities to reclaim their narratives, the beats acting as drums for liberation. The Bronx in 1970s New York gave way to hip-hop culture. The need for representation and a platform for African-American communities highlighted the socioeconomic conditions of the time. Poverty, racism, crime and political discourse were the norm. Income levels were also widely part of the issue according to one study.

A study by Jake Intrator, Jonathan Tannen, and Douglas S. Massey looked at the segregation by race and income in the United States between 1970 and 2010. It stated, “African Americans experience less integration, more neighbourhood poverty at all levels of income compared to other minority groups. The degree of black spatial disadvantage is especially acute in the nation’s 21 hypersegregated metropolitan areas.” Resources, income, opportunities and major education were all unevenly distributed in that time were African Americans experienced more neighbourhood poverty which led to a higher crime rate as stated earlier. Voices of the underprivileged and under-represented had to find their way towards authorities those with power and thus, rap was seen as an artistic movement rather than just a form of expression.

As the genre evolved, rap intertwined with depression and artists began to delve deeper into their internal challenges rather than just the external ones. However, rap has always created a unique dynamic where the lyrics strip the artist away to nothing but emotions whereas the flow masks it, an oxymoron of strength and fragility.

Iconic individuals like Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. served as examples of the trend toward greater authenticity during the 1990s. Their readiness to expose vulnerability in their songs created a strong bond with listeners looking for deeper significance in their music. Rappers further popularized the tendency to examine mental health in their songs as the genre developed. Social media and direct interactions between artists and fans enabled this seismic shift, which not only changed the path of rap but also sparked significant conversations about mental health and social consciousness inside the genre and in society at large.

The music of the 2000s, however, was based on the frat-boy culture of the time and is therefore stuck in their time. While Mac Miller did embrace this culture, there was a noted shift in his music by 2013 with the release of his album, “Watching Moves with the Sound Off” where one could see him experimenting with more vulnerable lyrics and backdrop much like the rappers before him in the 90s sought to do. This led to the development of his legacy.

The mixtape "Faces" by Mac Miller is one of the most powerful examples of the introspective progression in rap. The 2014 release of "Faces" was a turning point in the rapper's career. By this time, Mac had proven himself to be a capable producer and lyricist, but with "Faces," he ventured into the dreary recesses of his own mind where he openly discussed his struggles with substance abuse and depression.

“Contemplatin’ suicide like it’s a DVD”

• From Diablo, Faces.

These lyrics were a significant shift from the unperturbed image Mac was normally associated with. The comparison to the DVD was similar to the idea of a DVD replaying again and again, drawing an analogy between his thoughts and the predicament of a digital disc. Nevertheless, the lyric isn’t an endorsement of suicide but rather a poetic and introspective representation of his psyche.

Through Faces, Miller tore down the barriers and allowed hip-hop listeners into the labyrinth of his mind and emotions. Additionally, it also mirrored a rising trend in rap music; a growing movement within rap culture where hip-hop artists confronted the intersection of rap culture and depression.

In fact, Larry King’s interview with Mac Miller highlighted his struggles with depression specifically in the music industry.

"I was pretty depressed as everyone, even while successful," said Miller in the interview.

"I think it started with success," added King.

Creativity has always been fueled by intense emotions—qualities that often resonate most with the audience. While creative expression is an outlet for emotions, it is not a substitute for mental health treatments. However, many times, the rap industry causes success to be the depressive factor in an artist’s career. Paradoxically, fame can be isolating, as the demands of their career can be taxing and force them to keep pushing themselves financially, socially, and artistically.

Success can generate a sense of artistic obligation, wherein rappers develop a fear of deviating from public expectations. They may consistently feel pressured to "do better" and produce hit songs one after another. In an ever-changing world, personal identities also undergo evolution, yet audiences and the industry often anticipate artists to maintain consistency with the persona that initially propelled them to fame. In an attempt to balance emotional experiences with the external demands of rap culture, artists may be further pushed into an already-existing environment of scrutiny and pressure. This could cause a complex interplay of emotions and thoughts causing mental struggles such as depression.

It is crucial to understand that conversations regarding mental health in rap culture are necessary not only to break down stigmas but also to acknowledge that the artists, in essence, are individuals who have put themselves in a vulnerable position to share their stories publicly. Behind the intangible lyrics and fame are tangible people. Rap is a constantly changing culture that has challenged norms for as long as we can remember. It is more than materialistic values, it’s an intense sentiment.

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Intrator, J., Tannen, J., & Massey, D. S. (2016). Segregation by race and income in the United States 1970–2010. Social science research, 60, 45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssresearch.2016.08.003

Ooi, J. (2019, January 3). Mac Miller deserves to have a legacy as lasting as 2Pac and Biggie. Turntable Thoughts. https://turntablethought.com/2018/12/04/easy-mac-goat/

Miller, Mac. “Diablo.” Faces, May 11, 2014

Mac Miller: Fame A Major Factor In My Depression | Larry King Now | Ora.TV. (n.d.). [Video]. Youtube. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMyUoCVYCME

Iqbal, N. (2019, March 19). The rise of sad rap: how hip-hop got the blues. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/mar/17/rap-music-mental-health-issues

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