It’s not always easy to be at the top, and sometimes, even the most talented artists need to prioritize their well-being. Joey Bada$$ recently sat down to share the candid reasons behind the cancellation of his highly anticipated “Dark Aura” tour, which was set to feature Ab-Soul and Rapsody. It turns out the decision was far more personal than just logistical hiccups.
Mental Health Takes Center Stage
Speaking on the Earn Your Leisure podcast, Joey Bada$$ revealed that his mental health was the primary driver for canceling the tour. He explained that he simply didn’t feel mentally fit enough to embark on such a demanding journey. “My mental health was just not aligned with it,” he shared, emphasizing his commitment to raw honesty.
The Brooklyn MC also touched upon the critical time he’s in with his family, noting the arrival of his five-month-old son. Juggling the responsibilities of new fatherhood, including navigating vaccinations and the general demands of a baby, left his energy levels at an all-time low. He felt he needed to be present and focused on his family during this crucial period.
Debunking Low Ticket Sales Rumors
Joey Bada$$ was quick to address and dismiss rumors that the tour was canceled due to poor ticket sales. He firmly stated that he has extensive experience with touring and that ticket sales were not an issue. “Tickets sell. This goes back to freedom. I had to choose me,” he asserted, highlighting that the decision was about personal choice and well-being, not financial viability.
He expressed sincere apologies to his fans who were looking forward to the tour, acknowledging their disappointment. “Y’all money has been refunded, I seen that… I was excited to see y’all too,” he said, reinforcing that the decision was difficult but necessary. He emphasized that he didn’t have the “bandwidth” to proceed, even though he knew he would be struggling internally if he had.
My mental health is important to me, and I just had to choose me. […] The honest to God truth is that I just couldn’t do it. — Joey Bada$$
Choosing Himself
Ultimately, Joey Bada$$ made the difficult decision to step away from a potentially lucrative opportunity to prioritize his mental health and family. He shared that a conversation with a supportive team member helped him solidify his choice. This powerful stance underscores the growing conversation around mental well-being in the music industry and the importance of artists being able to make choices that protect their health.
What do you think about Joey Bada$$’s decision to prioritize his mental health? Share your thoughts on the importance of mental well-being for artists in the comments below!
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