The Detroit rapper shares his truth about a period in his life that followed Nipsey Hussle‘s death in 2019.

In an interview with ABC News, Big Sean talked about why he found it important to talk about his mental health over the years. However, Sean just found it important to talk about his own experience. As a result, maybe others would be empowered to talk about their own. The rapper’s honesty came after he experienced what he calls “heavy ups and downs” following the loss of his close friend and collaborator. Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed outside his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles on March 31, 2019. The mental health struggle hit Big Sean harder than anything he’d faced before. He described the experience as hitting a wall that threatened to crush him completely. This disconnect from himself led to what Big Sean calls “a very deep battle of depression, deeper than I experienced when I was like a teenager.”

During his time away from music, Big Sean learned valuable lessons about balance and self-care. He discovered the importance of making time for joy and fun, not just work and obligations. Therapy became a crucial tool in Big Sean’s recovery process. He credits professional help with giving him the skills to navigate his depression and rebuild his relationship with himself.