Rap artist Niatia Kirkland, better known by her stage name ‘Lil Mama,’ recently opened up about her struggle with depression following the 2009 backlash she faced after crashing the VMA performance of Alicia Keys and Jay-Z. Speaking on ‘The Jay Hill Podcast,’ Lil Mama shed some light on the mental health effects of the incident and the scrutiny it sparked in the media.
Key Takeaways:
– Rapper Lil Mama shares her bout with depression after crashing Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ VMA performance in 2009.
– During an interview on ’The Jay Hill Podcast,’ the rapper faults media personalities for fueling the backlash surrounding the incident.
– More than a decade later, Lil Mama makes amends with Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, who have both publicly forgiven her.
– Despite the setback, Lil Mama continues to have a successful career, earning critical acclaim for her role in the VH1 biopic, ‘CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story.’
Media’s Role in Amplifying the Backlash
The ‘Lip Gloss’ rapper called out media figures, including the likes of Wendy Williams and Ed Lover, for exacerbating the situation. She claimed that their coverage of the incident was less about fair journalism and more about generating gossip. “It wasn’t giving leadership, it wasn’t giving fellowship,” Lil Mama observed.
Looking back into the past, the rapper, who was only 20 at the time of the incident, expressed the pain and confusion she had felt. “I was hurt, I was depressed. You got everybody telling you you’re doing bad. People pointing at you, ‘What did you do?’” she lamented.
A Path to Reconciliation
Over a decade after the episode, Lil Mama has repaired the relationship with Keys and Jay-Z. In March 2023, the rapper embraced Keys publicly at an event for Teyana Taylor’s film, ‘A Thousand and One.’ This signaled a significant turn in the relationship between the two artists.
Jay-Z, who expressed his forgiveness for Lil Mama on Twitter Spaces in 2021, noted, “That’s our sister. Man, we love her. I wouldn’t recommend people just jumping on other artists’ stage, but we don’t wish her harm.”
The rapper turned actress conveyed her gratitude over the social media platform, thanking Jay-Z for his understanding and reinforcing her long-held stance of love for the hip-hop pioneer and the music community.
Continuing to Shine Despite the Setback
Despite the controversy and backlash, Lil Mama carved out a successful career in the entertainment industry. Her portrayal of Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes in the critically acclaimed VH1 biopic, ‘CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story,’ was particularly recognized and lauded.
This candid conversation has shown that Lil Mama’s career and mental health journey extend far beyond the 2009 VMA incident. By sharing her experiences, the rapper adds her voice to ongoing discussions on mental health, resilience, and the crucial role media play in shaping public perception.
