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A project by researchers at the University of Cambridge has suggested that hip-hop could help cure mental illness and increase diversity in the mental health workforce. Publishing their findings in The Lancet medical journal , Dr Akeem Sule and Dr Becky Inkster, co-founders of HIP HOP PSYCH , explain that they believe hip-hop is the perfect tool for opening up the discussion and de-bunking the stigma of mental illness. Dr Sule explains: ‘Much of hip-hop comes from areas of great socioeconomic deprivation, so it’s inevitable that its lyrics will reflect the issues faced by people brought up in these areas, including poverty, marginalisation, crime and drugs,’ He goes on: ‘In fact, we can see in the lyrics many of the key risk factors for mental illness, from which it can be difficult to escape. Hip-hop artists use their skills and talents not only to describe the world they see, but also as a means of breaking free. There’s often a message of hope in amongst the lyrics, d...