Untimely deaths within the music industry, such as the passing of young artists like Lil Peep, XXXTentacion, and Juice Wrld, occur so frequently that it desensitizes people to the severity of these tragedies. This consecutive series of deaths most notably began in late 2017 with the loss of 21-year-old Lil Peep, who overdosed on fentanyl-laced Xanax, followed by the assassination of 20-year-old XXXTentacion in 2018, and most recently continued by 21-year-old Juice Wrld who died of a drug-induced seizure in December. 

Regarding Juice WRLD, popular YouTuber and music artist Benjamin “Quadeca” Lasky posted on Instagram, “This idea that great music can only come out of suffering is so toxic and detrimental to the mental health of so many artists.” He also remarked on the common mentality that artists exist only to please others, and not themselves.

 These issues are often encouraged by today’s music standards, which is precisely why many new rappers depict their struggles with depression and drug abuse through their music; instead of seeking help from actual professionals, artists sometimes feel that doing so could ultimately damage their careers and relevancy.