An ‘Ode To The Have-Nots,’ Descendent, Takes The Fight Inside On Emotional New Project - ‘Mentally Drained.’

Released on October 22nd, ‘Mentally Drained,’ works as an autobiography of some sort for Virginia-born, New York-based MC, Descendent. Backed by the likes of Hip Hop legend Chuck D, this 7-track project takes a comprehensive look at the complexities of Decedent's life over the years. As all good storyteller’s do, Descendent is able to effortlessly give first-person accounts of his experiences, while simultaneously telling the story of so many others facing similar struggles. 

Giving listener’s a historical scope on present day social issues, ‘Mentally Drained’ represents the overwhelming feeling of exhaustion that black men face in America after being exposed, and as of recent, re exposed, to traumatic events that have been willfully suppressed by society. The project touches on a variety of issues. From racism to death, masculinity, how society views him in general, and Descendent’s own shortcomings that he is able to speak on so eloquently and openly.

While some might find the recent spotlight on racism in America to be empowering, Descendent discusses how the external war is actually fought internally for those who have had to live it. It is evident through his lyrics that years of repressed emotions can negatively impact one’s self-view, leaving those who refuse to turn a blind eye to such obvious truths feeling isolated in their journey.

“People are comfortable living in bondage. People are comfortable being lied to because they feel like if they admit the truth, they have to change. This project represents the realization that freedom is a lonely road, and that the endless fight can be draining at times”

- Descendent

A voice for the voices, Descendent has no shame being clairvoyant with his intentions on this 7-track piece of work. [From opening track ‘Tired’] “For my people who feel trapped and there’s no way out, who believes in themselves, but they still have doubts,” ‘Mentally Drained’ can be seen as a project that’s of equal importance to both those who have lived it, and those who have been lucky enough to be able to watch it from the outside.