As we cast our minds back to the year 2023, we remember the heartbreaking loss of Denise “Vanity” Matthews, who passed away struggling with kidney failure and other health complications. While her memory still lingers in our minds, we also recall the tumultuous journey of Kanye West, who displayed signs of mental health challenges, a topic often stigmatized and ignored, particularly within the black community. This blog post delves into these impactful stories, shedding light on an industry that sometimes overlooks the real-life struggles of its stars, and emphasizes the importance of support and understanding in difficult times. With the benefit of hindsight, we explore the lessons learned and the actions needed to ensure the wellbeing of our celebrated icons.
The Sorrowful Exit of Denise “Vanity” Matthews
In 2023, Denise “Vanity” Mathews passed away suffering from years of kidney failure and other health related issues. Two years prior to her demise, we shared a link to support her with medical costs while she was critically ill and in and out of the hospital. Unfortunately, she only managed to raise $7000 from just 17 individuals of the $50,000 she was seeking. The fundraising link was subsequently deactivated by Gofundme.com, presumably their standard procedure once the person in question passes away or fails to meet the target.
Following her death, numerous celebrities came forward with tributes and dedications, expressing how much Vanity meant to them. However, the question remains: Could they have extended their concern while she was still alive and battling her health issues?
Kanye West’s Mental Health Struggles
During the same period, Kanye West was exhibiting signs of mental illness, a condition that had been evident for several years. Mental health is often a misunderstood and stigmatized issue, particularly in the black community. The media and public often misconstrue the struggles of those affected, as seen with the circulation of a tape showing Kanye having a breakdown backstage during a Saturday Night Live performance. Rather than acknowledging the need for help, the incident was treated as an amusing spectacle, further perpetuating the stigma mental health.
Despite his struggles, it raises the question of why those -aerosmith-and-lenny-kravitz-to-create-original-anthems” target=”_blank”> him didn’t insist on him taking a break and seeking help. Surely, money and fame are not the solution to one’s problems, but rather a magnifying glass that often amplifies personal issues. Unfortunately, Kanye’s situation was no different.
We can only hope that he has since received and accepted the help he needed. It’s a grave reminder of the importance of mental health, particularly in high-pressure industries such as music and entertainment.
#MusicIndustry #MentalHealthAwareness #SupportArtists #RememberingVanity #KanyeWest
