In a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast, Joe Budden expressed skepticism about the authenticity of Logic’s suicide awareness song “1-800-273-8255.” Budden, a retired rapper and podcast host, challenged the sincerity of Logic’s lyrics about suicide and depression.
During the podcast, Budden stated, “Logic is full of shit. I don’t believe him,” in response to co-host Ryan Clark’s questions about Logic’s portrayal of mental health in his music. He specifically criticized Logic’s song, which prominently featured the suicide prevention hotline number, calling it “pandering bullshit.”
Budden continued, “Everything about Logic is pandery. So there’s really no way to ever tell what’s truthful and what’s not truthful. And since he said [he experienced suicidal thoughts], I try to take him off my list of people to speak about because I do have a heart. But I do think he’s full of shit.”
This isn’t the first time Budden has been critical of Logic, as he previously referred to him as “one of the worst rappers to ever grace a microphone” in 2019.
The controversy surrounding Logic’s authenticity raises questions about the intersection of mental health advocacy and the entertainment industry, where artists navigate the delicate balance between genuine expression and potential accusations of pandering.
In the evolving landscape of conversations around mental health, artists like Logic face scrutiny not only for their creative choices but also for the sincerity of their messages. Budden’s comments add another layer to the ongoing dialogue about authenticity and credibility within the realm of mental health advocacy in music.
As the conversation unfolds, it prompts reflection on the responsibilities of artists in addressing sensitive topics and the challenges they may encounter when their intentions are called into question. The intersection of art and mental health advocacy continues to be a complex terrain with varying perspectives and interpretations.