Big Sean reflects on his “very deep battle of depression” after death of Nipsey Hussle

"It felt like I hit a wall… and I either had to climb over it, or it was gonna fall on me and crush me" The post Big Sean reflects on his “very deep battle of depression” after death of Nipsey Hussle appeared first on NME. NewsMusic News Big Sean reflects on his “very deep battle of depression” after death of Nipsey Hussle "It felt like I hit a wall… and I either had to climb over it, or it was gonna fall on me and crush me" By Laura Molloy 17th February 2026 Big Sean. CREDIT: John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images Big Sean has opened up about his mental health struggles after the death of Nipsey Hussle. READ MORE: Nipsey Hussle, 1985-2019: a musician who gave a voice to the voiceless and changed the face of indie rap Hussle was fatally shot outside his Marathon Clothing store in South Los Angeles in March 2019. In 2022, Eric Holder Jr., the man who fatally shot Hussle, was convicted of first-degree murder, and he was later sentenced to at least 60 years in prison. Following Hussle’s death, Big Sean paid tribute to him with the track ‘Deep Reverence’ in 2021, which featured a posthumous verse from Hussle himself. He also shared how he struggled with and sought therapy for depression and anxiety at the time. Now, he’s opened up about his decision to speak publicly about his mental health. In an interview with ABC News, host Linsey Davis asks him what it felt like to open up about a topic that is “very taboo in the black community,” to which he responded: “I was just sharing what was going on in my life. I didn’t realise that I was being so vulnerable. I wasn’t trying to be a spokesperson for mental health per se.” “I was just expressing how I was going into therapy and experiencing a time of heavy ups and downs, a time of depression,” he added. The rapper then went on to reflect on that part of his life, saying: “It felt like I hit a wall… and I either had to climb over it, or it was gonna fall on me and crush me. “I had been so about my work that I lost touch with the person that I was. So, I think that led to a very deep battle of depression, deeper than I experienced when I was like a teenager,” he continued. He went on to say: “I had to take time away from the music industry being my first obligation, and I had to put myself first.” Hussle’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from the world of hip-hop. A huge tribute to the rapper was held at the 2020 Grammys, with Meek Mill, John Legend, DJ Khaled and more all coming together to celebrate Hussle’s life and career. In 2022, Hussle was posthumously honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with a ceremony that recognised the late rapper’s contribution to music as well as his philanthropic efforts in the community. For further help and advice on mental health: “Am I depressed?” – Help and advice on mental health and what to do next MITC – A collective of musician industry therapists TONIC Rider – Bespoke training and support for music industry professionals Help Musicians UK – Around the clock mental health support and advice for musicians Music Support Org – Help and support for musicians struggling with alcoholism, addiction, or mental health issues YOUNG MINDS – The voice for young people’s health and wellbeing CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably The Samaritans – Confidential support 24 hours a day Related TopicsBig SeanHip-hopLet’s Talk – mental healthNipsey HussleRap You May Also Like Advertisement TRENDING The NME 100: essential emerging artists for 2026 Miriam Petche just set a new ‘Industry’ standard ‘Wuthering Heights’ review: this sexed-up reimagining is a bonking success Inside Swim Deep’s gorgeous new album ‘Hum’: “It feels like we’ve arrived at the conclusion of who we are” The rise, fall and rebirth of 2000s IT room favourite ‘RuneScape’ Advertisement More Stories Music News ‘Like a Virgin’, ‘True Colors’ and ‘Eternal Flame’ songwriter Billy Steinberg dies aged 74 Film News Robert Duvall, star of ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Apocalypse Now’, dies aged 95 News ‘Tehran’ producer Dana Eden found dead in Athens hotel room while filming new season: “A moment of great sorrow” Music News Youth Music’s misogyny in music report shows high rates of feeling unsafe and unfair pay Music News Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show sees over 200 per cent spike in travel interest to Puerto Rico News ‘It’s Always Sunny’ actor Shelly Desai dies, aged 90