Fast-forward to the 2010s, and it’s opioids that now have a grip over some of music’s biggest stars. Deep fakes, influencers, viral fashion – we live in a world unrecognisable from the one we stood in ten years ago. As a chaotic decade comes to a close, we’re Alcoholics Anonymous speaking to the people who helped shape the last ten years and analysing the cultural shifts that have defined them.
Staying Sober: Fifteen Rappers Who Don’t Smoke

Also known as molly and MDMA, the drug often shows up at nightclubs and concerts. Despite its health risks, marijuana continues to be championed by rappers today. Today, Schoolboy Q has left his drug-dealing and consuming days behind, focusing more on his music. He has publicly stated that he no longer uses drugs, showing that recovery is possible and emphasizing the importance of seeking help when needed.
Creating While Clean
Tobey Maguire struggled with alcohol addiction at the height of fame and credits his commitment to sobriety to saving his career. He is still in recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous, a choice that has allowed him to continue working and to start his own production company. Believe it or not, the most famous Kardashian is also the world’s most famous sober celebrities. Although the star isn’t a complete teetotaler, she has attributed her success to drinking responsibly and steering clear of drugs. “Everything bad would happen,” she said of her prior drug use, speaking to People. Unlike some of his fellow Odd Future members, Tyler, The Creator made a deliberate decision to not smoke or drink.
- To put it in perspective, he stopped mid-song during a concert in Detroit, just because he couldn’t relate to his old music anymore.
- In order to address the impact of drug addiction on the music industry, it is crucial to have open conversations about the consequences of substance abuse and provide support systems for artists who may be struggling.
- Take a look at this list and find out which of your favorite rap stars abstain from drugs and alcohol.
- While drugs and music can be close bedfellows, we’d all much rather have our favorite artists alive and healthy than partying like a rockstar and headed toward an early grave.
- Additionally, it is essential for the music industry to prioritize the well-being and long-term health of its artists over short-term gains.
The most popular drug in hip-hop history isn’t the one you think it is.

Kid Cudi had a difficult upbringing that ultimately made him turn to drugs. He got increasingly into substance abuse the older he got, and it got worse the more prominent he became. The rapper had always dealt with anxiety and depression, but he began to sink deeper into those waters as time passed.
By acknowledging the underlying mental health issues that often contribute to substance abuse, the focus can shift from judgment to empathy and understanding. Rappers, like anyone else, can face various mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. It is essential to recognize these struggles and encourage open conversations about mental health within the music industry. Additionally, the struggles faced by rappers with drug addiction can serve as a cautionary tale for their peers.
- Remarkably, EFFEN Vodka partnered with a sober 50 several years ago in a paid endorsement deal, which finds the rapper pimping their product on social media.
- Through his narratives, Macklemore reinforces that recovery is an ongoing journey, and occasional lapses don’t mean defeat.
- We used the Genius lyrics database to track drug trends through song lyrics.
- Some drank, some used drugs, some did more or less everything, and they did so to very different degrees.
“There are probably a couple of rappers who don’t want to smoke and don’t want to do these drugs but that’s sober rappers what is cool and that’s what’s making them money. In recent years, more US hip-hop stars have begun rapping about rappers who dont do drugs prescription pills used to treat pain or anxiety. The journey towards healing and growth is unique for each individual.
