Since Logic’s hit song “1-800-273-8255” first came out in April, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline after which the song was named after, has seen record numbers in call volume and social media engagement. Calls are up 33% compared to 2016, and the organization, which operates nearly 160 crisis hotline centers across the country, is seeing three times the activity on Facebook.
“1-800-273-8255,” is featured on “Everybody,” Logic’s third studio album, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 200 in May and talks about a number of serious themes, including racism, politics and Logic’s own biracial identity.
During the VMA's which took place a few weekends ago, Logic, Alessia Cara and Khalid came together to give an inspiring, tear worthy performance. Halfway through his performance he was joined by local Los Angeles volunteers in T-shirts which had the lifeline’s number written on it, each of whom had lived with or experienced suicide.The shirts not only had the number on the backs, but it also had the message that you’re not alone and that's what the song is all about. The beginning starts off as Logic exclaiming that he wants to die but the second verse is filled with hope and Alessia Cara sings about the reasons you should want to be alive; "It's the very first breath when your head's been drowning underwater, and it's the lightness in the air
when you're there chest to chest with a lover." After performing the song during the VMA's, Logic gave a beautiful speech pertaining to the political and social problems we are facing today and which is highly relevant to the world we live in.
"I just want to take a moment to thank you for giving me a platform to talk about something that mainstream media doesn't want to talk about: mental health, anxiety, suicide, depression and so much more that I talk about on this album. From racism, discrimination, sexism, domestic violence, sexual assault, and so much more; I don't give a damn if you are black, white, or any color in between. I don’t care if you’re Christian, you’re Muslim, you’re gay, you’re straight, I am here to fight for your equality because I believe that we are all born equal, but we are not treated equally and that is why we must fight. We must fight for the equality of every man, woman, and child regardless of race, religion, color, creed, and sexual orientation. So I say here and now if you believe in this message of peace, love, positivity, and equality for all, then I demand that you rise to your feet and applaud not only for yourselves, but for the foundation we are laying for our children."
This truly shows the kind of impact huge artists and media can have on their audience. Yes, I will forever love to jam out to songs like Closer by the Chainsmokers or Broccoli by DRAM because they're fun and upbeat, but at the same time, since media and artists have such a large influence on young teens daily lives, I think it would have a really positive impact to have more meaningful songs become popular and in the Top 40's. Logic was able to come out and talk about issues that popular media doesn't really talk about and his eye-opening song and speech has already inspired so many young teens, including myself.
Watch Logic's VMA performance here.
