Kodak Black cries on Instagram over lack of real love

Kodak Black’s Emotional IG Live Sparks Concern

On May 7, 2025, Kodak Black, bared his soul during an Instagram Live session, breaking down in tears after a fan asked if he’d ever experienced real love. His raw response—“I’ve never experienced real love”—stunned viewers, highlighting the personal struggles behind his chart-topping success. As one of hip-hop’s most unique stars, the world is worried about Kodak’s future. Especially as more videos of his unusual state continue to surface.

Kodak Black Music Career

Born June 11, 1997, in Pompano Beach, FL, Kodak Black rose with 2014’s “No Flockin” and “Skrt,” signing with Atlantic Records. His 2017 hit “Tunnel Vision” reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100, and his debut album Painting Pictures peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. Dying to Live (2018) topped the chart, driven by “Zeze” (number two). Despite legal troubles, his 2021 single “Super Gremlin” hit number three, and 2023 albums Pistolz & Pearlz and When I Was Dead sustained his relevance. His collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on “Silent Hill” (2022) showcased his versatility, per Billboard.

Kodak Black’s music career reflects resilience. Ultimately, making his emotional live a poignant contrast to his public persona.

Kodak’s Instagram Live Tears

During a May 7, 2025, Instagram Live, Kodak Black visibly distraught, responded to a fan’s question about real love with tears, saying, “I’ve never experienced real love.” The South Florida rapper, dishevled and emotional, appeared vulnerable, sparking concern across platforms like X, where fans wrote, “Praying for Yak, he needs real support,” per. This wasn’t his first emotional Live; in 2023, he teared up after a fan suggested jail for sobriety. His openness resonated, with people all over the world. Noting his ongoing legal battles with a baby mama intensified his struggles.

Kodak Black’s Instagram Live tears reveal a human side, prompting empathy and discussion about vulnerability in hip-hop.

Kodak Black Mental Health Struggles

Kodak’s mental health challenges have surfaced repeatedly. In August 2024, he posted, “Lonely af out here bro,” on Instagram, per XXL. His 2023 Live, where he appeared disheveled, raised alarms, with fans comparing him to DMX. In November 2024, he admitted to never being sober, saying, “Sober for what?” during an Instagram live video. His legal issues, including a 2023 cocaine possession arrest and probation violations, exacerbate his struggles. Despite his struggles, fans and fellow music artist have always given support to Kodak.

For those concerned, Kodak Black’s mental health struggles highlight the need for support systems in the music industry.

Kodak Black Legal Issues

Kodak’s legal troubles began in middle school, escalating in 2016 with a rape accusation in South Carolina, reduced to assault in 2021. A 2019 weapons charge led to nearly four years in prison, commuted by President Trump in 2021. Unfortunately, arrests for drug possession (2023) and trespassing (2022) followed. In 2025, he faced custody disputes with an ex-girlfriend, per Reddit. These issues, coupled with a $250,000 bond in 2023, can potentially strain his mental state.

Kodak Black’s legal issues contextualize his emotional turmoil. Ultimately, showing how external pressures impact his well-being.

Fan Reactions to Kodak Black

Fans rallied after Kodak’s May 2025 Live, with X posts emphasizing Kodak’s need for love. Others criticize his circle or management team. Expressing the lack of concern surrounding his mental health and well-being.

However, others defended his vulnerability, noting, “He’s human, let him feel,” per posts on X. Fans are also referencing in 2023 where he dozed off on Instagram live. A moment that also sparked concern, with fans pushing the idea of rehab. As fans on X continue to highlight his drug use, more controversy is created. Especially, in his current state. Throughout his past several different factors such as alcohol and cocaine were mentioned.

Support for Kodak’s Vulnerability

Kodak’s Live underscores a broader issue: mental health in hip-hop. Artists like Kid Cudi and Logic have advocated for therapy. In 2024, Gillie Da Kid and Wallo267 urged Kodak to embrace his influence responsibly. Organizations like Hip Hop & Mental Health offer resources, hosting 2024 panels with artists, per their website.

Kanye West also recently showed his support for Kodak. Emphasizing he wants to mentor the popular hip-hop star. His comments came after another video of Kodak acting unusual went viral.

Pain Behind the Bars: When Hip-Hop Speaks Out on Mental Health”

Kodak Black’s emotional transparency reflects a growing pattern in hip-hop, where artists are beginning to confront and vocalize their mental health struggles despite the genre’s long-standing culture of emotional suppression. Kid Cudi was one of the first major artists to speak openly about depression and suicidal ideation, famously tweeting in 2010, “I’m scared, I’m sad, I feel like I’m going to die.” In 2016, he checked into rehab for what he called “depression and suicidal urges,” later revealing on Red Table Talk that he felt pressure to hide his pain to maintain a strong public image. His honesty resonated deeply with fans and paved the way for others to be vulnerable.

NBA YoungBoy, another emotionally raw artist, has shown signs of deep psychological distress throughout his career. In multiple interviews and lyrics, he’s expressed feelings of abandonment, paranoia, and emotional numbness. In 2022, fans raised concerns after a series of cryptic posts hinted at suicidal thoughts, prompting wellness checks and online discussions about the toll of fame and isolation. His legal troubles, house arrest, and custody battles have only compounded the stress, mirroring Kodak’s complex mix of personal and public pressures.

The Mental Health Crisis in Rap Culture Continues

Similarly, Meek Mill has spoken candidly about the mental health impact of his years in and out of the criminal justice system. During a 2021 interview with The Breakfast Club, he described having symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety, nightmares, and a fear of police. His experience sparked his advocacy for prison reform, but also highlighted how trauma—particularly in young Black men—is often untreated and misunderstood.

These artists, like Kodak, pull back the curtain on the emotional cost of fame, incarceration, and unresolved trauma. Their willingness to speak out is slowly shifting the culture in hip-hop, encouraging fans and fellow artists to prioritize mental health in a genre that’s long valued resilience over vulnerability.

Is Kodak Black Around The Right People?

Kodak Black’s tearful Instagram Live on May 7, 2025, resonates whether you’re a fan, mental health advocate, or curious about hip-hop’s challenges. His raw admission of never feeling real love, set against his musical triumphs and legal battles, humanizes a star grappling with isolation. For fans, it’s a call to support his journey. For others, it’s a prompt to explore mental health resources or advocate for artist well-being.