Fat Joe highlights Riky Rick’s mental health plight

American hip-hop producer Fat Joe recently paid homage to Riky Rick and commented about his mental health according to a report.

Oct 6, 2022 - 16:16
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Fat Joe highlights Riky Rick’s mental health plight

Hip-Hop producer, Fat Joe has reportedly highlighted the mental health plight of late rapper Riky Rick in February 2022. He has also expressed condolences to his friends, fans and family for his passing.

This is according to a report by TshisaLIVE, a week after the late rapper was awarded the inaugural Global Visionary Award at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards.

“First of all, I want to say ‘rest in peace’ to Rik,“ said Fat Joe, who was hosting the ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia on 30 September 2022.

Referring to how Riky Rick died, Fat Joe said mental health issues were not talked about enough. He said for someone to commit suicide they have to be in a “really dark place” the publication reports.

American producer Fat Joe reportedly paid homage to Riky Rick at the 2022 BET Music Awards. He also commented on his mental health plight. Image: FreeYourShutter via Flickr

ALSO READ: ‘Legends never die’: BET Hip Hop Awards set to honour Riky Rick

The KwaZulu-Natal born musician’s was found dead in his studio in February 2022 with his death being ruled a suicide thereafter.

The tragedy came after a long battle of substance abuse and mental health problems. He was open to his fans about his struggles. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Fat Joe called on society to be more open and seek help in times of ill mental health.

ALSO READ: RIP: Puma to release late Riky Rick’s final fashion collection

SOUTH AFRICAN MEN AND MENTAL HEALTH

In 2020, Riky Rick opened up to fans on his podcast platform about his suffering from depression. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), one in eight men suffer from depression. One in five men suffer from anxiety in South Africa. Although men are statistically more likely to die of suicide in South Africa, many battle to come forward to seek help.

ALSO READ: Riky Rick: Family opens up about the rapper’s cocaine addiction

The Boss Zonke rapper joins a long list of male South African musicians who have died from suicide. Several local musician’s deaths have been linked to suicide and mental health such as kwaito musician Gunman and rapper, HHP. This trend among male musicians dates all the way back to dates the death of kwaito star Makhendlas who shot himself in 1998.

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