Recovery on Velocity, The Peace That Society Brings

Young MA, ‘Open Scars’ Review

Music is one of the most universal languages, that unifies people across all geographic regions, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and sexual orientations. No matter where you're from, what you look like, or who you love, music has a way of reaching out and touching everyone. For this reason, musicians are arguably the most well-received voices in our community.

While politics and religion often struggle to unite us, music does it effortlessly. The messages conveyed by other unordained community leaders are also not always as accessible as music is.  And with the help of social media, messages in new song/album releases spread quickly.

This means that artists have a unique social responsibility. Whether they know it or not, their songs influence what we think about health, politics, religion, fashion, and relationships. We have seen the reevaluation of musician's impact in recent years, resulting in artists being temporarily 'canceled' due to culturally insensitive lyrics that have the potential to cause harm to various communities. 

For this reason, Young MA's new single ‘Open Scars,’ in which she opens up about the recent health issues that led to her sobriety, is much appreciated and needed. This message is even more powerful, coming from a musician working in an industry that encourages the consumption of alcohol and drugs, to facilitate the creative process.

‘Big healthy, No liquor, Just water and lime juice, No more drugs, Something I put my spirit and mind to.’-Young MA

This song sounds like a journal entry, that she hesitantly shared with fans. In this song, she asks for an extension of grace for her previous absence and details the difficult but necessary lessons she learned during this transformative period.

‘For the past three years, I let my fans down I lost faith and I couldn’t understand how.’ -Young MA

While also, affirming that she is aggressively returning as a healthier and more focused version of her previously inebriated self. The inflated confidence that liquid courage provides is undeniable, but the clarity and focus that come with sobriety are superior.

‘I had to go and free my mind, and let my hair down, without the Henny, I see everything clear now.’ -Young MA

Her commitment to recovery and personal progress is palpable in the lyrics and 'Open Scars' visual.

‘It’s funny when you lit it's a whole lineup.’-Young MA

This lyric speaks accurately to the isolation of sobriety in comparison to the easy camaraderie inebriation brings. From my personal experience approaching two years of sobriety, loneliness, unfortunately, precedes comfort. Nonetheless, the process, no matter how lonely it may seem, must be trusted and has always been worth it.

Although Young MA's music releases have historically been inconsistent, her influence and impact have never been questioned. Before the release of her number 1 single ‘Ooouuu’ in 2016, the world had never seen a dominant presenting lesbian rapper break through the mainstream market.

The combination of her gender non-conformity, lyrical penmanship, and now sobriety make her the poster child for fresh air, bravery, and growth in the music industry. I am grateful that in her introduction to the industry, she was not sober, to serve as a reminder that the human experience is dynamic and we are all encouraged to grow and evolve in ways that better serve ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. It is also a reminder that while recovery is not easy or common, it is always beneficial to remove those substances that stimulate the lowest vibrational elements of oneself to promote positive health outcomes and improve relationship experiences overall.

Whether she realizes it or not, if Young MA never drops another record, she will always be a role model in the eyes of many of her marginalized fans. And she adds immense value to the music industry because, before her arrival, many of those marginalized felt unseen by their favorite artists. Artists become fan favorites not just due to sound impression, but also due to representation in sex, gender expression, and ethnic background. Many LGBTQIA rap fans have historically compartmentalized their interest in various artists, due to the lack of representation. However, with the arrival of an African-American queer gender non-conforming rapper, many began to feel fully seen. And hearing her detail her healing journey, in a population where Mental illness is disproportionately prevalent, is affirming and necessary.

‘Broke up with depression, let go my anxiety, turn my back on the devil and neglected society.’-Young MA

These lyrics are the most accurate description of escaping the liquid matrix on the journey to sober living.

As a fan of Rap music in recovery, I am grateful to Young MA for normalizing sobriety and all the benefits recovery brings. 

‘Heal first, 

Find peace, 

Find keys, 

Mind free, 

First step, 

Find God, 

Next step, 

Find me.’-Young MA

Easy Listening, The Urban Music Enthusiast