Big Sean is opening up about one of the most difficult chapters of his life. During a recent appearance on ABC News’ All Access, the Detroit rapper revealed that the 2019 death of his close friend Nipsey Hussle sent him into what he described as a “very deep” depression.
Sean explained that the loss hit him hard emotionally and forced him to confront his mental health in a way he hadn’t before. “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,” he shared, reflecting on the overwhelming period that followed Nipsey’s passing.
According to the rapper, the moment became a turning point. He admitted he had become so consumed by work that he lost touch with himself, saying he didn’t even know what he enjoyed anymore. That realization, he said, contributed to a depression deeper than anything he experienced in his teenage years.
Rather than ignore the warning signs, Sean made the decision to step back from music and prioritize his well-being. He turned to therapy, meditation, healthier habits, and self-reflection to help rebuild mentally and emotionally. The hiatus ultimately stretched the gap between his 2020 album Detroit 2 and his next full-length release.
Despite the pain, Big Sean says the experience taught him valuable life lessons about balance and self-care. He has also continued to honor Nipsey Hussle’s legacy, most notably through their Grammy-nominated collaboration “Deep Reverence,” which arrived in 2020.
Sean emphasized that he wasn’t trying to become the face of a movement — he was simply being honest about his reality. Still, his openness has resonated widely, especially as conversations around mental health in the Black community continue to evolve.
As Big Sean moves forward, his story serves as a reminder of Nipsey Hussle’s lasting impact and the importance of checking in on mental health — even at the highest levels of success.
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