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NJ hip-hop: A mental health check during COVID-19 times with Cymarshall Law

Asbury Park Press - 11/19/2020

In the vortex that is 2020, let's remember one thing: Let's take care of ourselves and our loved ones, especially when it comes to our mental health.

That's the word from Jersey hip-hop stalwart Cymarshall Law, who tackles the issue with superb lyrical acumen on his new track, “Demons of Our Memory.”

“I could be my own worst enemy,” rhymes Law on “Demons.” “If you haven't heard from me, check on me mentally.”

The song comes from the just released Law album, a collab with Russian producer Mudblood, called “Sui Generis.”

“There’s a large amount of people who are mentally, physically, emotionally stressed out, burnt out,” Law said. “It's not uncommon for people to be really stressed out and be in need of some type of therapy, but saying that, a lot of times people don’t seek the therapy they need because don’t have the time.

“Because life never stops. Marriage, divorces, having kids, new job, quit job, pandemic COVID.”

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It adds up, but the equation has to include taking time for you. Thirty one percent of Americans have reported anxiety and depression during the pandemic, and 11 percent have considered suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A good first step is to unplug, Law said.

“Go offline. That is a start because when you’re on social media, it’s really, really hard not to compare yourself to other people – that’s where everybody is these days,” Law said. “Before people wake up and brush their teeth, they’re on social media seeing how many likes they got, and I think that’s deteriorating people's mental health.”

If you need more help, the New Jersey Mental Heath Cares is a good place to find guidance. Visit www.njmentalhealthcares.org or call 866-202-HELP.

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Law wrote “Demons of Our Memory” from his personal experience.

“It was easy for me to write,” Law said. “It just rolled off the tongue because it was what I was going through at the time.”

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The rest of “Sui Generis” is chock-full of mesmerizing burners that nicely frame Law's considerable verbal skills. Mudblood, who's based in St. Petersburg, Russia, reached out to Law on social media.

She got hip after listening to his track “Iceman” with the German production crew Snowgoons. Law, aka Cymar Simmons, has that international appeal. He's based in Burlington County these days but he formerly set up shop in New Brunswick, and has performed in 20 countries.

“I had a great time over there,” Law said. “Artists are suffering because of (the pandemic). I always think about that. I’d love to tour Europe as much as I used to. Everything seems real crazy right now. It’s a very unique time.”

Cymarshall Law with Mudblood, “Sui Generis.” www.hiphopintheflesh.com

Holiday Express live show

This just in -- the coronavirus is not canceling Christmas.

At least as far as the good folks of Holiday Express are concerned. The holiday-centric group of more than 150 musicians, led by Tim McLoone, had previously made the decision to go virtual this year -- but now comes a caveat. A Holiday Express Benefit Concert will take place Monday, Dec. 21, at the Vogel at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, the group has just announced.

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A “very limited” number of in-person tickets will go on sale, as will virtual tickets for the show. We're sure the Disco Santas will be socially distanced.

Check back here or holidayexpress.org for more information as it becomes available.

Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ hip-hop: A mental health check during COVID-19 times with Cymarshall Law

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