In 2017, the use of drugs in hip hop culture hit an all time high. Xanax, Lean, Percocets, Cocaine and other drugs became normalized through the music and ultimately, influencing many young listeners. Now, hip hop isn't the sole factor in the increased use of opiates and other drugs but it did play a factor.
Lil Peep's untimely passing in November served as a wake-up call of sorts. Peep, who was only 21 at the time of his death, fell victim to the Fentanyl epidemic that's been destroying young lives throughout North America. The dangers of pharmaceuticals became much more evident since then and many people, including rappers, have pledged to go sober.
Past Peep's death, the overall affects that pills and powder has on one system deteriorates over time. People who've been sipping lean for years decided to drop the cup in 2017. Others who've used other pills are recognizing the long-term effects.
We've came up with a list of nine rappers who've said they're going into 2018 drug-free.
Mozzy
At the top of the year, Mozzy revealed that he's officially done with lean. The Sacramento rapper has rocked the double cup openly over the years and has finally kicked the habit. Mozzy posted a short video on Instagram to announce that he's done with lean. At the time of posting the video (Jan. 3), he was already 12 days deep. In addition to that, he used his platform to kick off the #KickDaCupChallenge.
Lil Pump's been one of the many rappers who've played as a Xanax advocate. Throughout his career, he's constantly referenced the drug in his music to the point where it became part of his brand. On New Year's Eve, the rapper hit the 'Gram to flex his jewelry while posted up in the studio with the caption reading, "2018 we going even more crazy love yall 👌🏽💓(btw I don’t take xanz no more fuck Xanax 2018)."
Along with his buddy, Lil Pump, Smokepurpp has also disavowed the use Xanax. The rapper, whose use of Xanax has also played a large part of his brand, has stated that he too is done with the drug. "we leaving Xanax in 2017," he wrote on Twitter. Travis Scott quoted the tweet and added that he's happy about his signee's decision.
Riff Raff
Riff Raff took to Twitter at the top of the year to announce that he's officially done using cocaine. The rapper's use of the drug has been documented throughout his career. Interestingly enough, he said in 2014 that he was done using both coke and molly. In his tweet, he stated the reason he's quitting cocaine is because of the risk of it being laced with Fentanyl.
Fredo Santana
Lil Uzi Vert
Following the death of Lil Peep, Lil Uzi Vert also denounced Xanax. Uzi empathized with Peep's reason to do drugs. The next day, the rapper tweeted that he was going sober following Peep's death. He's yet to give an update on whether he's been completely off of the Xans but we definitely are hoping so.
Famous Dex
Famous Dex is another rapper whose drug use played a major role in their branding. Over his career, he's constantly been seen with a double cup while rapping about the many drugs he's uses on a regular basis. After being rushed to the hospital, the rapper went on Instagram Live to announce that he was done drinking lean. He also took a moment to encourage his younger fans to do the same and explained how it'll mess them up in the long run.
Uno The Acivist joins Smokepurpp and Lil Pump on the "Fuck Xanax 2018" wave. He's another rapper from the young generation who has made constant references of Xanax in their music. The rapper hit Twitter to proclaim the death of Xanax shortly after New Year's Day.
Yung Bans
Yung Bans is the final rapper on our list who won't be indulging in Xanny bars this year. Towards the end of November last year, he tweeted "Fuck Xanax" and earlier this week, he echoed the same sentiments after also claiming the death of Xanax this year.