To our readers: The following article contains content about suicide, depression and substance abuse.
$uicideboy$ is an underground hip-hop duo from New Orleans, consisting of cousins Ruby da Cherry and $crim. They are recognized for their dark, intense sound and brutally honest lyrics, merging influences from trap, punk and horrorcore. Their music frequently delves into themes of mental health, substance abuse and existential crises, resonating deeply with their fanbase known as G*59. With a distinctive aesthetic and exponential growth, they have cultivated a dedicated following and made a significant impact on the contemporary rap scene.
“I think $uicideboy$ are definitely an interesting group, catered to a very certain kind of genre of music, but overall they’re definitely a good listen,” senior Mikela Montes said.
In 2014, the two boys were dissatisfied with various aspects of their lives. Tired from working their 9-5s, they spiraled into a dark whirlpool, falling prey to substance abuse and suicidal tendencies. These years of their lives were characterized by mental health issues and a prominent disconnection from their environment. Eventually, after reaching the lowest points of their lives, they decided it was time to achieve an unfulfilled dream of theirs: to begin a musical career. Thus, they shook hands to form a rapper duo named $uicideboy$, named after the suicide pact they created to jumpstart this passion: if their music did not take off, they would both agree to commit suicide.
When starting their musical careers, they wanted to base their concept on promoting mental health awareness. Starting what fans refer to as the “$uicide movement,” the duo hoped to create an environment in which people could realize that they weren’t alone in their loneliness and depression. They worked to provide an outlet in which individuals could express their grief and sorrow in music. They sought to break down the stigma surrounding these issues and foster open conversations about mental health.
Fast forward to 2024: the duo embarked on The Grey Day Tour, aimed at promoting mental health awareness while delivering a powerful musical experience. They collaborated with PLUS1 Mental Health Access Fund in which $1 per ticket would be donated to mental health causes.
The openers to the concert included numerous upcoming rappers such as EKKSTACY, HAARPER, Shakewell, Pouya and Denzel Curry. The rappers performed a variety of songs such as “i walk this earth all by myself” by EKKSTACY, “Barricade” by HAARPER, “Biscuit” by Shakewell, “Suicidal Thoughts in the Back of the Cadillac” by Pouya and “ULTIMATE” by Denzel Curry. $uicideboy$ selected their openers in hopes it would align with their artistic vision and message. By choosing artists from the underground scene who share similar themes of emotional struggle, authenticity and rawness, they hoped the rappers would resonate with fans and enhance the overall atmosphere of the concert.
“I really appreciate how they are not scared to talk about their feelings, something ostracized in today’s society,” freshman Natalie Lee said.
After the openers, $uicideboy$ made it onto the stage with their first song “Lone Wolf Hysteria,” a song released in their new album called “New World Depression.” The stage design during this performance featured dark, edgy aesthetics with visuals from their music video appearing on the screen above them. After the first song, the duo thanked the audience for attending the concert, and mentioned how this tour was their 10 year anniversary.
“It’s been like a suicidal decade—a third of our lives,” the boys proclaimed on stage.
Then the boys continued on with their concert, featuring a variety of new songs such as “The Thin Grey Line” and “Thorns” as well as their classic hits such as “Paris” and “…And to Those I Love, Thanks for Sticking Around.” The songs were filled with energy and created a sense of camaraderie, as many fans who were in the audience were people who struggled with the same conflicts $uicideboy$ did. Fans sang along to their favorite songs, even singing louder than the duo themselves, showcasing their passion for the music.
The concert overall was received well by the audience, showcasing a niche realm in underground rap. More importantly, the concert showcased the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health and instead embracing rawness when talking about emotions, a lesson applicable to everyone, including New Hyde Park Memorial.
“I was so excited to hear that $uicideboy$ were coming to perform so close to New Hyde Park. The atmosphere at the concert was absolutely electric. I had a great time while attending and would definitely love to see them in concert again,” senior Rakinur Chowdhury said.
Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, please call the Long Island Crisis Hotline at 516-679-1111 or text HOME to 741741.
