Story
Juice WRLD’s Mother: “My Biggest Fear Was Him Overdosing”
Juice WRLD did not keep it a secret that he was self-medicating to help him cope with the pain of his depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Throughout his musical career, the late Chicago rapper was open about his struggle with substance abuse, as well as addiction and more.
On “Wishing Well“, which appears on his posthumous studio album Legends Never Die, Juice WRLD sings: “If it wasn’t for the pills, I wouldn’t be here/But if I keep taking these pills, I won’t be here”. The line is a sad view of how the artist, whose real name was Jarad Higgins, saw his battle.
His mother, Carmella Wallace, has spoken freely about her son’s death, as well as his addiction issues. In a new interview for ABC 7 Chicago, she explains the purpose of the Live Free 999 organization, as well as the reason why she continues to remind people about Juice’s addiction.
“It was devastating, but one thing I decided early on was, I was not going to hide the fact that he died from a drug overdose,” said Carmella Wallace about her son’s death. “I didn’t want to keep that secret because a lot of people deal with that every day”.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
She says that she and Juice often spoke about his struggles with mental health. She even asked him to seek professional treatment instead of continuing to abuse pills.
“I said, ‘if you have anxiety, then you need to get medicated properly for it instead of medicating yourself,’” added Wallace. “I talked to him about it. I told him my biggest fear was him overdosing on the stuff. That’s why I made the decision I have to talk about it with other people. I can’t keep that as a secret.”
She goes on to say that, while Juice was a superstar in the eyes of his fans, to her, he was just Jarad.
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images
“Juice Wrld was an icon but Jarad was my son,” she said. “I didn’t treat him like a celebrity. In fact, the first time I saw him perform, it was in Chicago. I forget where, but I saw the crowd and I saw the girls and ‘take a selfie with me.’ He was pumped up. He was still living with me at the time and when he came home, I said, ‘take out the garbage,’ because I just wanted him to stay humble.”
As of late, a collaboration between Juice WRLD and XXXTentacion has been teased by DJ Scheme and Cleopatra Bernard, XXX’s mom. Ally Lotti, Juice’s girlfriend, stated on Twitter that she “doubts” it will ever come out though. Read more about that here.
Artist Spotlight
The Real Mack The Knife honors memory and spirit with soulful release “Rio Grande de Loíza”
The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” by The Real Mack The Knife is a powerful tribute to Puerto Rico’s history, memory, and sacred spirit. The track transforms nature into something spiritual, intimate, and timeless, inspired by the legendary river and Julia de Burgos’ immortal voice.
The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” has an old, alive vibe from the beginning. River water, moonlight, desire, and cultural memory shape a song that seems to rise from the ground. The Real Mack The Knife uses the river as a living, symbolic being, unlike the original work.
Julia de Burgos gives the piece incredible depth. She sees the river as a witness, a mother, a wound, a mirror, and a prayer throughout the song’s emotional landscape. The literary and spiritual connection gives the track a haunting beauty beyond music.
Connect with The Real Mack The Knife on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
Artist Spotlight
Devan Ibiza adds soul and reflection on new release “Portland”
With “Portland,” Devan Ibiza creates a warm, thoughtful, atmospheric hip-hop record rooted in boom-bap’s deep, reflective energy. Soulful production and introspective mood make it a quiet moment of thought rather than a distraction.
“Portland” embodies classic hip-hop. Boom-bap gives it a rhythmic foundation, and warm, soulful production draws listeners in. This beat is perfect for contemplation, letting emotion and thought flow.
The single’s mood adds interest. Devan Ibiza values subtlety and atmosphere over loudness and trends. The song’s restraint is its strength. Late-night thoughts, personal memories, and quiet realizations make “Portland” contemplative.
Devan Ibiza’s release is well-paced emotionally. Since the song is never rushed or crowded, its atmosphere can naturally resonate. That patience gives “Portland” a timeless quality usually reserved for classic hip-hop stories and soulful underground records.
Connect with Devan Ibiza on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoYG Kayboe merges soul and street savvy on the potent “By The Way”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoThe AYAMI unveils a soft anthem of rebirth on new release “Good Morning”
-
Artist Spotlight7 days agoEmme Rain stands out with deeply personal new release “Voodoo Music”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoThe trapheaux gracefully glides over in new release “Marble Floors”
-
Artist Spotlight7 days agoLAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”
-
Artist Spotlight7 days agoCam Blair makes a statement with intriguing presence on new release “Clean Up”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoNIHLNØTHING unleashes increased tides on new release “ocean” Power
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoGarth Adam unveils a beautiful piano arrangement on “Here We Are Emotional – Radio Edit”