The Healing Power of Hip-Hop: Mikal Bridges on How Kendrick Lamar Helped Him Through His Darkest Days

In the world of professional sports, we often see the glory, the trophies, and the highlight reels. However, behind the scenes, the mental toll of defeat can be crushing. This was recently highlighted by Mikal Bridges, the New York Knicks standout, during an intimate and raw Instagram Live session that has since captured the internet’s attention.

A Moment of Vulnerability Amidst Celebration

While celebrating the New York Knicks’ historic journey toward an NBA title, Bridges took a moment to step away from the festivities and get real with his fans. As he poured a shot of tequila, a familiar melody began to play in the background: “Count Me Out” by Kendrick Lamar.

The song immediately triggered a wave of emotion for Bridges, prompting him to share a side of his life that fans rarely see. He revealed that the track, and the album it belongs to—Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers—were instrumental in his mental health journey.

Battling Depression After a Heartbreaking Loss

Bridges didn’t hold back when describing the aftermath of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. After the Phoenix Suns suffered a grueling seven-game loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the second round, the athlete found himself spiraling.

“I was really depressed, bro. We lost to Dallas, I was in Phoenix, I was f—in’ depressed,” Bridges admitted. “This album came out. I was just liftin’ bi’s and tri’s, chest, and that sh– got me through it.”

For Bridges, Kendrick Lamar’s lyricism provided more than just a beat; it provided a mirror for his own struggles and a roadmap for recovery. The themes of accountability, pain, and resilience found in Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers resonated deeply with the athlete during his lowest point.

From ‘Count Me Out’ to Championship Glory

The irony of the song title, “Count Me Out,” isn’t lost on those who follow the NBA. The New York Knicks made a massive gamble on Bridges, trading six first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets to bring him to the Big Apple. The pressure was immense, leading some to question if the price was too high.

However, Bridges has turned that pressure into fuel. After helping the Knicks secure their first championship in 53 years, fans have affectionately dubbed him Mikal “F— Them Picks” Bridges, celebrating his triumph over the skeptics.

Why This Story Matters

• Mental Health Awareness: Seeing an elite athlete admit to depression helps break the stigma in sports.
• The Impact of Art: It showcases how music can serve as a therapeutic tool during times of crisis.
• Resilience: It proves that professional failure is often the precursor to historic success.

Whether you are a fan of the NBA or a devotee of Kendrick Lamar’s discography, Mikal Bridges’ story is a reminder that it’s okay to struggle—as long as you find the strength to keep moving forward.