Logic’s Performance at 2017 MTV Video Music Awards Spikes Calls to Suicide Prevention Hotline
Logic released his hit song “1-800-273-8255” in April as a way to help save lives, and now the rapper is actually doing that. Following a performance of the song at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline says it saw a 50 percent increase in calls.
John Draper, director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, praised the song, saying it’s not only about the phone calls but about increasing awareness. “The calls don't even begin to count the number of people who, just by listening to the song and hearing the lyrics, feel more hopeful and less alone. There's really no measuring that impact,” he told CNN.
It’s also not the first time Logic’s song, which features Khalid and Alessia Cara, made an impact on the Prevention Lifeline. Draper said the track also led to an increase in calls on the day it was released. “The impact has been pretty extraordinary. On the day the song was released, we had the second-highest call volume in the history of our service,” he said.
While the Lifeline has seen increases in calls in the past due to celebrity suicides and the Netflix hit 13 Reasons Why, Draper said “1-800-273-8255” is leading to calls about suicide prevention. "But here's what's really important: Logic is generating calls with a song about getting help and finding hope. It's not focusing on tragedy or suicide. In fact, he's starting conversations about suicide prevention, as opposed to suicide."
Earlier this month, Logic released the music video for “1-800-273-8255.” The nearly seven-minute video follows a young male through his daily struggles as he comes to grips with his sexuality. Since its release on Aug. 17, the video has gained more than 17 million views.
Check out Logic, Alessia Cara and Khalid’s performance of “1-800-273-8255” below.
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