Logic Reveals Why He Was Nervous About Releasing the “1-800-273-8255” Video

Logic opened up about the importance of his song and video for "1-800-273-8255."

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Logic’s “1-800-273-8255” has become one of the biggest hits of his career. In addition to receiving multiple platinum certifications and a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year, the track has increased awareness about mental illness and suicide prevention.

Logic has called “1-800” the most important song he’s ever written.

Months after he shared the Alessia Cara and Khalid-assisted track, the 27-year-old rapper presented its official music video starring Don Cheadle, Coy Stewart, Nolan Gould, and more. It’s a powerful seven-minute visual that follows a gay teenager dealing with homophobia in his home and at school. The bigotry and bullying become so severe that the young man contemplates suicide, but ultimately changes his mind after seeking help from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Logic recently revealed he was nervous about releasing the video.

“It’s scary to talk about stuff like that,” Logic said during an interview with LIVE 101.5’s Morning Mess show (around the 2:30 mark). “I felt like these are a lot of things that aren’t necessarily being discussed on mainstream platforms. Now they are, which is great. And I’m not the first person to talk about these things, or this or that, but in my heart I knew that if everybody did their part right—if the song was written right, and the label did their job, and the radio station did their job, and the director, Andy Hines, did his job—that we could really make an impact.

“I don’t know how to explain it," he added. "It was just very, like, scary... because I was going after every racist, homophobic piece of shit out there. I didn’t know what kind of lashback I’d get, but I’m like, man, bring it on, because I really believe in this message."

The message was definitely far-reaching. The NSPL announced they received more than 4,500 calls on the same day “1-800” was released.

“We believe this is a great example of how it is possible for artists and the media to address suicide thoughtfully and creatively, alongside people in the field,” Frances Gonzalez, director of communications for the NSPL, told Billboard. “Logic’s song is an opportunity to make the conversation about suicide a conversation about how people can find hope and that support is available for anyone that needs it.”

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