Entertainment

JoJo Shares Clinical Depression Diagnosis Following Alcohol Addiction

Entertainers who begin their careers when they’re children or teenagers often find themselves struggling when they transition into adulthood. Those who have attained at least a moderate level of success are more at risk for going off the deep end, as they grapple with adapting to the ever-changing expectation of Hollywood. At just 13-years-old, JoJo became a pop princess when her single “Leave (Get Out)” topped the charts, but as she grew older, she had issues with her record label that kept her from releasing music and was told that she needed to get on a 500-calorie-a-day diet in order to be famous.

On Friday (May 1), JoJo will release her anticipated R&B project Good To Know, and she recently sat down with PEOPLE to discuss what was going on behind the scenes during the years when she wasn’t able to release new music. Her father was battling an opioid addiction, and JoJo turned to alcohol to deal with her mental and emotional issues. It was common for the singer to drink until she blacked out.

“I was feeling overwhelmed and found myself wanting to get out of my mind because I was so scared and so sad,” she said. “At the end of the day, I am a product of a family with substance-abuse issues. When I woke up and didn’t know how I got home, I was like, ‘This is not okay.’” It took a few years for her to reshape her life, but after seeing a therapist and receiving a diagnosis of clinical depression, JoJo turned her life around.

“Because there is a history of mental health issues in my family, I didn’t feel any shame seeking help,” JoJo added. “Those of us who have a predisposition toward depression or a chemical imbalance — sometimes we just need a little help.”

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Artist Spotlight

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 makes a stand for afrobeat against corruption on latest release Na Dem feat. Tom Morello.

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 deliver a powerful afrobeat statement with “Na Dem,” Featuring Tom Morello and produced by Femi Koleoso. The track has been a fan favourite even before its official release, and comes with the unmistakable spirit of protest, truth-telling, and social accountability that have long characterized Afrobeat’s most impactful moments.

The song’s heart is a direct challenge to corruption and the abuse of power. Instead of singling out one profession or institution for its critique, “Na Dem” identifies a larger culture of dishonesty, targeting bad lawyers, bad doctors, bad politicians, and anyone who would sell their integrity for personal gain. The message is sharp and uncompromising and delivered with the urgency that has become a hallmark of Seun Kuti’s artistry.

The inclusion of Tom Morello adds another level of intensity to the record. His presence adds to the song’s rebellious energy, creating a powerful intersection between the rhythmic activism of Afrobeat and the confrontational edge of rock. The result of the collaboration is a track that is both timeless and of the moment.

The song’s dedication to principle is what rings true. The moral center of the record is Seun’s statement that he would never prostitute his conscience for money. It turns “Na Dem” from a critique into a declaration of personal values, responsibility, and resistance.

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Artist Spotlight

Marsha Bartenetti reinvents in her own style “New York Minute”

Marsha Bartenetti’s latest release, “New York Minute,” written by Don Henley, Danny Kortchmar, and Jai Winding, offers emotional depth, turning a timeless look at life’s fragility into a reflective, cinematic journey. Stephan Oberhoff’s arrangement perfectly frames Bartenetti’s voice, and Kevin Bate’s expressive cello adds a warm resonance that makes the track feel like a movie.

The way each instrument sounds makes it feel planned, which lets the listener stay in the fleeting moments the song so beautifully describes. Bartenetti’s singing is the best part of the song. She shows an openness that feels real, as if she has lost something and still fully embraces love and presence with complete honesty. Her choice of words and small changes in tone make the lyrics feel even closer.

“New York Minute,” is a new version that pays tribute to the original while showcasing Bartenetti’s own style. The movie-like instruments and heartfelt vocals make the song feel both personal and universal. It makes us think about how hard it is to let go and hold on.

Connect with Marsha Bartenetti on Spotify || Facebook