Missy Elliott Shares Her Struggles With Depression And Anxiety: It’s OK To Say’ I’m ‘Not OK’

Screen Shot 2023 06 21 at 8.55.15 AM

Missy Elliott has broken barriers in music and now the legendary artist is opening up about her personal struggles with mental health.
In an interview with Essence Magazine, she discussed her battle with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder, which led her to realize that it’s okay not to be strong and composed all the time.

“Now I’m fine with being like, ‘Hey, I got anxiety’ or ’I went through depression,’” Elliott, 51, told the outlet.

“Now I’m fine with being like, ‘Hey, I got anxiety’ or ‘I went through depression,’” shared the 51-year-old artist. “Even the biggest artist, or just the regular everyday working person, we all go through s—. We all do. And it’s OK to say, ‘Hey, I’m not OK today.’”

“Probably we would keep a lot of people around if we were that open, because we would be able to uplift each other. We’d know that I’m not going to look at you crazy if you say, ‘Hey, I’m having a rough day.’ Maybe you’re thinking things that you shouldn’t think, or whatever the case may be,” she added.

In addition to discussing her present mental health Elliott, reflected on her childhood anxiety.

“I think that a lot of things were brushed up under the rug for me growing up, and probably also for a lot of people,” she said, adding of the pandemic: “I had so much time to just think of childhood stuff, and all kinds of stuff.”

According to Missy Elliott by embracing her humanity, with all its imperfections and vulnerabilities, is what makes her who she is today.

Her openness about mental health serves as a reminder that it’s ok to seek support when needed.

The post Missy Elliott Shares Her Struggles With Depression And Anxiety: It’s OK To Say’ I’m ‘Not OK’ appeared first on The Source.

Logic Teams with BetterHelp to Offers Fans One Month of Free Therapy Sessions

Logic Says Def Jam is Refusing to Pay Lil Wayne for Feature Verse

BetterHelp has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Grammy-nominated rapper Logic. BetterHelp will offer one month of free therapy sessions to Logic’s fans as part of this collaboration. Those interested can visit betterhelp.com/logic to claim their free month and be matched with a licensed therapist online.

Additionally, BetterHelp will sponsor Logic’s upcoming podcast, Logically Speaking. The podcast, set to launch this spring, will delve into topics such as artistry, mental health, therapy, addiction, and music. Logic will engage in candid discussions with various guests, including artists, athletes, actors, therapists, and mental health experts, providing valuable insights and shedding light on important issues.

The partnership aims to destigmatize mental health issues and increase access to resources. Olivier Sinson, Director of Partnerships at BetterHelp, expressed excitement about teaming up with Logic, stating their shared determination to make mental health care available to everyone.

“We’re thrilled to partner with such a talented artist who shares our determination to destigmatize mental health issues and expand access to resources,” said Olivier Sinson, Director of Partnerships at BetterHelp. “We’re passionate about making mental health care available to everyone, and this partnership will help us reach even more people who can benefit from therapy.”

The partnership comes as Logic prepares for his nationwide College Park tour alongside hip-hop legend Juicy J. The tour, commencing in May, will bring their dynamic performances to cities across the United States.

“It’s no secret to my fans and loved ones that therapy changed my life,” said Logic. “I try to be open about my relationship with mental health with the hope that I can inspire others to do the same. Breaking down the stigma of seeking treatment is so important. But stigma aside, access to treatment is equally important. By partnering with BetterHelp, my hope is to provide my fans with access to treatment on their terms because taking that first step can be the most important thing.”

The post Logic Teams with BetterHelp to Offers Fans One Month of Free Therapy Sessions appeared first on The Source.

R. Kelly Expresses Concern for His Medical Care in Prison Audio: ‘They Treat Animals Better Than This’

R. Kelly's Lawyer

Audio from prison has R. Kelly referencing the harsh conditions of his prison. In the audio, Kelly stated he deserves to die of natural causes. The singer is reportedly battling blood clots in his legs.

“I don’t deserve to die because somebody miscommunicated or somebody took a guess at what’s going on with my leg. I’m not supposed to die this way,” R. Kelly said. “You’re not even supposed to take a chance on that.”

He added, “And that’s why I’m speaking out on this because I’m scared for my life in that area. And who wouldn’t be? They treat animals better than that.”

READ MORE: Timbaland Says R. Kelly Is Still The ‘King Of R&B’ Despite Sex-Trafficking Conviction

One of R. Kelly’s victims, Faith Rodgers, who accused the singer of failing to disclose a sexually transmitted disease before sleeping with her, is demanding the jailed singer turn over medical information. Back in 2018, Rodgers sued the convicted singer in New York court. In her lawsuit, Rodgers said she met Kelly in 2017 after one of his shows in Texas. She was 19-years old at the time.

READ MORE: R. Kelly’s Legal Team Appeals NY Conviction, Looking for Reverse or New Trial

According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Rogers, who sued Kelly in 2018, asked a judge to help her obtain the information.

The victim wants Kelly to answer questions under oath about the date they met and how often they engaged in sexual relations. Further, she wants him to turn over a list of any financial institutions he has accounts in.

Rodgers also wants him to make a list of all credit cards he used from 2017 to 2019. The victim’s list of demands asks Kelly to state all the names of any medical professionals he used, state each and every hospital or clinic that he was a patient of from January 2017 to January 2019.

Further, she asked Kelly to admit he failed to tell her about his STD before having sex with her and that he forced her to engage in sexual acts without her consent.

Thoughts?

The post R. Kelly Expresses Concern for His Medical Care in Prison Audio: ‘They Treat Animals Better Than This’ appeared first on The Source.

South Carolina Woman Rescued By Police Officer After Mouthing ‘Help Me’

Screen Shot 2023 06 20 at 2.12.48 AM

North Myrtle Beach Police Officer Kayla Wallace is being acknowledged for rescuing a woman from a shooting suspect during a routine traffic stop.

On May 28, Officer Wallace was on patrol in North Myrtle Beach when she witnessed a white Jeep running a red light at an intersection. Recognizing the violation, she promptly pulled over the vehicle to address the traffic infraction. However, as she approached the car, Officer Wallace noticed the male passenger was distressed, raising her suspicions, while the female driver silently and repeatedly mouthed the words “Help me.”

According to the Myrtle Beach Police Department, Officer Wallace observed the driver’s message and removed the passenger from the vehicle, placing him in the back seat of her patrol car.

Wallace then went back to the suspect’s vehicle and spoke to the female driver, who frantically advised that the passenger had just shot someone.

While waiting for backup to arrive, Officer Wallace engaged the occupants of the vehicle in conversation, attempting to gather more information discreetly. This approach was critical in maintaining a calm environment, minimizing the risk of escalating the situation or endangering the woman further.

“Due to Officer Wallace proactively patrolling the streets of North Myrtle Beach, even to the last 30 minutes of her shift, a suspect in a shooting was arrested and an unlawfully carried pistol was recovered underneath the suspect’s seat,” Myrtle Beach Police posted in a tribute to Wallace on Facebook.

The courage displayed by the woman, silently mouthing for help in such a dire situation, allowed law enforcement to intervene promptly, potentially preventing a tragic outcome.

According to a report from USA TODAY, 29-year-old Collins Bates has been arrested and is currently detained. He is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, kidnapping, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. These charges are in connection with a shooting incident.

The post South Carolina Woman Rescued By Police Officer After Mouthing ‘Help Me’ appeared first on The Source.

Azealia Banks Says She’s Not A Huge Doja Cat Fan: She Gives ‘Biracial Girl Identity Crisis Vibes’

Screen Shot 2023 06 17 at 9.41.20 AM

Azealia Banks has shared her opinion on another artist on social media again, this time her target was singer Doja Cat. Doja just released her new single, “Attention,” and  Banks revealed that she isn’t a huge fan of the “Woman” songstress and threw a shot at Kendrick Lamar.

“I really be wanting to like Doja’s music but it’s all just sooo try hard,” she began her Instagram rant. “Her first album was actually cool as hell,” she says, calling it “her own authentic art voice.” She continues, claiming Doja Cat “sounds like a white girl that grew up in a house.” “It’s not giving that pissy stairwell / bacon egg and cheese / vanilla Dutch nyc energy she’s reaching for,” Banks says, adding that California rap is “purposefully inoffensive and caters to paper shoe Tom and matted hair Abigail.”

Banks continued to tear into Doja, saying “Her approach to trying to conceptualize an authentic rap record is giving angel haze NYC WANNABE levels of boring rippity rap/ cheesy soho whiteboy hypebeast circa ’06.” “She’s giving me those weird fka twigs biracial girl identity crisis vibes,” she added. Banks then called Kendrick Lamar “MAD overrated and extremely complacent.” She further accused the rapper of having “white ghostwriters writing about the black struggle n sh*t.”

Thoughts?

The post Azealia Banks Says She’s Not A Huge Doja Cat Fan: She Gives ‘Biracial Girl Identity Crisis Vibes’ appeared first on The Source.

R. Kelly Accuser Who Contracted STD Demands Singer’s Medical Information Be Made Public

Screen Shot 2023 06 13 at 11.37.25 PM

One of R. Kelly’s victims, Faith Rodgers, who accused the singer of failing to disclose a sexually transmitted disease before sleeping with her, is demanding the jailed singer turn over medical information. Back in 2018, Rodgers sued the convicted singer in New York court. In her lawsuit, Rodgers said she met Kelly in 2017 after one of his shows in Texas. She was 19-years old at the time.

According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Rogers, who sued Kelly in 2018, asked a judge to help her obtain the information.

The victim wants Kelly to answer questions under oath about what date they met and how many times they engaged in sexual relations. Further, she wants him to turn over a list of any financial institutions in which he has accounts.

Rodgers also wants him to make a list of all credit cards he used from 2017 to 2019. The victim’s list of demands asks Kelly to state all the names of any medical professionals he used, state each and every hospital or clinic that he was a patient of from January 2017 to January 2019.

Further, she asked Kelly to admit he failed to tell her about his STD before having sex with her and that he forced her to engage in sexual acts without her consent.

Thoughts?

The post R. Kelly Accuser Who Contracted STD Demands Singer’s Medical Information Be Made Public appeared first on The Source.

Brian McKnight’s Oldest Son Says He Will Not Not Change His Name: ‘It’s Also My Son’s Name’

Screen Shot 2023 06 09 at 4.20.19 AM

R&B singer Brian McKnight has been in the news a lot lately and not for his music. The ‘Back At One’ Singer recently turned 54 and dedicated his day to his infant son Brian Jr. causing social media to question the McKnight’s first son also named Brian Jr.
Brian’s oldest son responded to fans who suggested he change his name amidst all the family drama.

In a video shared on his Instagram stories, Brian McKnight Jr. shares that he loves his name and his lineage and would never change it. Brian Jr. also said Brian is his son’s name too, and that changing his name would send the wrong message.
Thoughts?

The post Brian McKnight’s Oldest Son Says He Will Not Not Change His Name: ‘It’s Also My Son’s Name’ appeared first on The Source.

Deyjah Harris Speaks Out On Chika’s Airplane Twitter Rant

Deyjah Harris has shared her thoughts on Chika’s recent rant about children on a plane. Chika took to Twitter last week to go off on a mother whose two kids sat near the rapper on a flight. She complained that the children’s behavior disturbed her rest, and received a great deal of backlash for her comments. Zonnique Pullins later responded to the Tweets, revealing that the children in question were hers. Harris shared her thoughts about the recent incident, claiming that Chika handled the situation poorly.

“The lady next to me who thought it would be a good idea to buy yourself and your twin infants first class seats on a red eye flight, who just woke me up by bringing your screaming bastard to OUR seats to soothe her, i just bought $34 wifi at 4 am to call you a stupid B**ch,” Chika wrote. She continued, telling Zonnique she hates her, calling her a “senseless wench,” and asking her if she’s “mentally delayed.” “You should [have] just sat there and been mad babe..she sky priority af,” Zonnique wrote in response.

Read More: Chika Responds To Backlash After Complaining About Zonnique Pullin’s Child On Flight

Harris Shares Her Thoughts

Following backlash, Chika initially apologized for her behavior on Twitter. She did, however, later share Instagram stories where she said, “I know it was real harsh but sorry, I cant give a f**k.” She continued, claiming that at the time of her posts she hadn’t slept in two days, and was having “really bad thoughts.” Chika later discussed “double-standards.” She claims, “We all go through it we all say things,” adding, “I don’t feel bad cuz the response is disproportionate to the mistake.”

“As someone who deals with depression, anxiety, self harm, attempts or ideation myself.. i understand being on the verge of a panic attack or feeling the need to release your anger, but this was NOT the way to go about it,” Harris wrote. She went on to tell Chika, “there are so many more healthier ways to release your emotions.” She then claimed that Chika’s rant “shows that [she is] not emotionally mature/intelligent,” adding that “it feels like there is no accountability being taken on [her] end.” Harris finished her post, “You have plenty of options so you must be honest with YOURSELF + keep it real as to why you brought this to social media.”

Read More: Chika Comes For 50 Cent After He Disses Megan Thee Stallion

[Via]

The post Deyjah Harris Speaks Out On Chika’s Airplane Twitter Rant appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Amanda Bynes’ Life After Psychiatric Hold Is “Sad And Isolated,” Sources Say

It’s been over a month since we reported that Amanda Bynes was released from the hospital following a lengthy psychiatric hold. Prior to checking herself in for help, the Hairspray actress was found wandering naked through downtown Los Angeles while coming out of a psychotic break. Her parents have expressed no plans to reinstate the embattled starlet’s conservatorship, though a new report from TMZ reveals that life since leaving the hospital hasn’t been so cheery for Bynes.

Sources close to the 37-year-old said she’s presently focusing on where she’s going next in life while prioritizing her medical needs. She apparently doesn’t have many people in her life at this time and isn’t putting the same energy into her passions as she was before her incident. Though she no longer acts, Bynes has poured plenty of time into other creative pursuits, such as fashion design and pursuing the art of being a nail technician.

Read More: Amanda Bynes Found Naked & Alone In Downtown Los Angeles, Placed On Psychiatric Hold

Amanda Bynes Keeping to Herself While in Recovery

Amanda Bynes signs autographs for fans before the premiere of “Hairspray” on July 18, 2007, at the Charles Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jeff Snyder/FilmMagic)

Though she’s not quite her normal self again just yet, the California native has been diligent in attending her outpatient appointments. Additionally, she’s been spending time speaking with therapists and staying on top of her medications. It’s certainly sad to hear that Bynes has been mostly alone, but friends are happy to see she hasn’t reunited with her toxic ex, Paul Michael. The pair were planning a wedding, though he wasn’t adequately supporting his partner while she was struggling.

For the time being, the former child star is apparently in frequent contact with her parents and siblings. Despite her rocky relationship with them in the past, they’ve become a strong support system for their daughter as she gets back on her feet following another bout of turmoil. Which of Amanda Bynes’ past works is your favourite? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Amanda Bynes Hits The Nail Salon Following Release From Psychiatric Care

[Via]

Conway The Machine Details How Therapy Improved His Music

Conway The Machine says that going to therapy has had a positive impact on his music. Speaking with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, he explained that his new album, Won’t He Do It, is some of his best work yet and attributes that to working on his mental health with a professional.

“I feel like I just needed to show a different side of me, man. Man, my life has been really great, if I really look at it and just really count my blessings and just be thankful more and grateful of what I have accomplished and what I do have instead of tripping off negative dumb stuff,” he began, as noted by HipHopDX. “You know what I mean? So that’s how I ended up here with Won’t He Do It. It’s just like, man, I feel good, man. You know what I’m saying?”

Read More: Conway The Machine Says He Recorded “5 To 6 Albums” Of Music Ahead Of “Won’t He Do It”

Conway The Machine In Concert

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 27: Conway the Machine performs at Le Trabendo on March 27, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Wolff-Patrick/Redferns)

He elaborated: “I did some therapy. You know what I’m saying? I did some therapy. Like I said, I kind of just isolated myself and just shut it off for a minute. Yeah. You know what I’m saying? It’s like a computer. You know what I’m saying? Sometimes you got to turn it off and let it rest for a few minutes and turn it back on and reboot it. You know what I’m saying?”

From there, he explained that, in the community in which he grew up, there was a stigma around going to therapy. “Because growing up in a hood and stuff, and particularly with young men and just in the communities and stuff, we look at wanting to get therapy or stuff like that, it’s like a, I don’t know, a slight, I guess or, we look at it like it’s a weakness or something,” he continued. “But I realized quick that it really wasn’t. It was actually very helpful. You know what I’m saying? And got me to this point to where I’m back making music, I think some of my best music. You know what I mean?”

Conway The Machine Discusses Therapy

Conway dropped Won’t He Do It earlier this month with features from Westside Gunn, Dave East, Fabolous, Benny The Butcher, and more. The album is his first album since last year’s God Don’t Make Mistakes, and his first post-Shady Records release.

Read More: Conway The Machine Drops New Album, “WON’T HE DO IT”

[Via]