Tommy Oliver’s “Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss” premiered on December 16th and is currently streaming on HBO and HBO Max.
I am a man of a certain age who was brought up on the sacred vibrations of Wu-Tang, Jay-Z, The Fugees, and Outkast, and despite the pacts my younger self made to the me of the future, my current self hasn’t experienced much of what the kids are listening to today. Tommy Oliver’s Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss was an introduction to Jarad Anthony Higgins as an artist, his cohort, and his disciples.
I was in awe of the sea of young faces that mainlined Juice WRLD’s worldview and of the man himself. Within moments I was spellbound by the lossless translation of his circumstances suffused with his boundless charisma and talent. Hearing Cole Bennett, a young music video director, contextualize his achievements and personage was intoxicating, but listening to music producers like Benny Blanco describe his process and the scope of his skill was next level. Additionally, when radio host Big Boy, a fixture in the game, says he’s never seen freestyling capabilities like his before, it changes the conversation. Juice dwelled in places of chaos, a disarray coded in the crypto lingua of a man who was vulnerable about his suffering and his joy, defying preconceived notions as if it were a calling since he was signed at nineteen years old.
His true genius lies in how he seems to effortlessly connect with people using his humility and vulnerability as a vehicle. He fools everyone, including himself, into thinking that he is an everyman and not a generational poet. The film’s pace mimics the subject, a gliding shark twisting in a young man that required motion for life, oxygenating his spirit in the relentless pursuit of creation. The most haunting scenes involve his inability to rest, like drifting off on a private plane cradling the love of his life, but catching himself and immediately reaching for something to pop or snort, as if he was compelled to abuse his peace.
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I left the film feeling pride in his accomplishments and humbled by the impact he had on those around him, in their ability to distill his unique gifts so articulately. Reminders of my sons crept into my appreciation of his plight like ghosts from the future, as they are too young to know his music but they have minds that may already be grappling with their sense of self.
While I was shaken by the youth that found such common ground in self-medicating your pain, I was also relieved at the space he leveled to discuss it openly. Juice helped forge a path where my boys can speak to their angst or confusion in relative security and for that, and all the other Black men that collaborate in changing this harmful aversion to honest self-reflection, I owe him a personal debt. One that I will pay for by crafting an atmosphere where my sons sleep that removes taboos around conversing in the messy places where we all may find ourselves and kindling the light within them that will help keep those dark moments at bay. Every Black man — and our entire community, for the matter — deserves a safe space to process their grief. When you’re met with immense trauma pain, the impact not only affects you, but everyone who loves you, and everyone you come in contact with.
Here are five mental health/wellness organizations committed to holding space for healing for the Black community including Live Free 999 named in Juice WRLD’s honor by his mother Carmela Wallace (and to learn more about Carmela check out her recent podcast episode on My New BFF with Codie Elaine Oliver.)
Live Free 999 Foundation
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Live Free 999 was founded by Juice WRLD’s Mother Carmela Wallace to honor him. Carmela was inspired to name the foundation Live Free 999 after looking at a picture of Jarad wearing a jean jacket he bought from a thrift store; on the back of the jacket he painted “Live Free.” Their mission is to support programs that provide preventative measures and positive avenues to address mental health challenges and substance dependency.
The Lives of Men
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The Lives of Men (TLoM) Founded by Jason Rosario is a social impact creative agency and diversity accelerator. They create content, and strategic initiatives that help redefine and shape modern masculinity while advocating for greater gender, racial, economic, and social equity.
Black Men Heal
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Black Men Heal provides safe spaces online and free therapy sessions for men of color by men of color. They currently have over 1000 Men on our Waitlist who are ready to commit to their Mental Health. To learn more and support them visit their site to learn more about their wellness programming.
Transparent & Black
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Black people are the most traumatized race on the planet. The specifics of our healing process are detailed and delicate – and they deserve their own space. Founded by Yasmine Jameelah, Transparent & Black creates digital and physical healing spaces to honor overdue work that needs to take place across the African diaspora.
Therapy For Black Girls
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Founded by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Therapy for Black Girls is a database and podcast for Black women seeking a therapist. So often the stigma surrounding mental health issues and therapy prevents Black women from taking the step of seeing a therapist. This space was developed to present mental health topics in a way that feels more accessible and relevant.
Additionally, if you’re feeling helpless, please use these resources to the 24-hour hotlines below.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours.
800-273-8255
SAMHSA National Helpline
Confidential free help, from public health agencies, to find substance use treatment and information.
1-800-662-4357
Tommy Oliver’s “Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss” premiered on December 16th and is currently streaming on HBO and HBO Max.
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