Jay-Z Rapped About His Therapist, and Twitter Had a Lot to Say

It was just one line in a song, but it started a conversation about therapy we’re more than happy to get behind. Jay-Z, who released his new album “4:44” on Friday, raps in one of the tracks called “Smile“:

Mama had four kids, but she’s a lesbian / Had to pretend so long that she’s a thespian / Had to hide in the closet, so she medicate / Society shame and the pain was too much to take; My therapist said I relapsed / I said, ‘Perhaps I Freudian slipped in European whips.’

The line, “My therapist said I relapsed,” brought people in the mental health community to Twitter both praising the rapper and encouraging others that it’s OK to get a therapist, too.

JAY Z RAPPED ABOUT HIS THERAPIST YOU CAN GET A THERAPIST TOO PLEASE GET A THERAPIST

— David Dennis Jr. (@DavidDTSS) June 30, 2017

“My therapist said I relapsed…” @S_C_ said he’s in therapy y’all. So here for people with influence talking openly about therapy. ???? pic.twitter.com/t9xoufqUSB

— EricaJoy (@EricaJoy) June 30, 2017

Nice. Since Jay Z went to a therapist now all these other people can also tend to their mental health.

— Astro Black (@Maximosis) June 30, 2017

Jay Z talking about his therapist may be my favorite part of the entire album.

— Miri (@__Miri__) June 30, 2017

Jay Z has a therapist. This album is for the culture. 4:44

— Russ Green (@russ_jokes) June 30, 2017

Yo if jay z can have a therapist so can you

— Cody Kledzinski (@bugattisays) June 30, 2017

I appreciate Jay Z rapping about seeing a therapist ???????? from a influential black male that’s important

— prince. (@pcem_) June 30, 2017

Jay Z out here talking about sessions with his THERAPIST. I am SHOOK. pic.twitter.com/jrVc1R1ZL6

— 最高 (@MixedRaceScum) June 30, 2017

Of course, whenever a celebrity speaks out about therapy, there’s an accessibility factor. Yes, it’s good to talk about therapy, no one should feel ashamed for going to therapy, but that doesn’t help if you can’t afford it.

Even after the passing of the Affordable Care Act, 15.9 percent of black people in America, versus 11.1 percent of whites, were still uninsured in 2014. On top of that, minorities often report experiencing racism and microaggressions from therapists. Less than 2 percent of American Psychological Association members are black — meaning it’s probably less likely a black person will have access to a therapist who looks like them. One study found therapist often discriminate against both poor patients and people of color.

Clearly, destigmatizing therapy isn’t that simple.

JAY Z CAN AFFORD A THERAPIST I COULD GET A THERAPIST TOO IF I COULD AFFORD A THERAPIST https://t.co/P2XzbUeQ2Q

— strawberry mosquito (@askNiara) June 30, 2017

Jay z got therapist money lol https://t.co/LAMDjLdksZ

— 290GOD (@SweatFrmMyBalls) June 30, 2017

Jay Z can afford a therapist https://t.co/LwS4buGrWn

— winnie the pooh (@KingRasta__) June 30, 2017

We’re glad Jay is speaking up and getting help — we just hope everyone can afford to rap about their therapist one day.