Australian emcee 360 has announced the launch of his own non-profit group, which he’s dubbed The 180 Movement. In a statement and accompanying video message, the rapper explained how the reaction to his viral song ‘I’m Sorry’ inspired the creation of the organisation.
In the song, released back in January, the ARIA Award winner detailed his experiences with codeine addiction, which saw him taking “90 pills daily of Nurofen Plus” to stave off withdrawal symptoms whilst on tour. The addiction eventually resulted in an overdose.
“After seeing the reaction to ‘I’m Sorry’ and seeing how many people are going through something SO similar but are also doing so in total silence, it’s inspired us to create The 180 Movement,” the rapper, real name Matt Colwell, wrote on his official Facebook page.
According to the 180 Movement Facebook page, the project is a collaboration between Colwell and Community Development, Youth and Mental Health Advocate James Kennedy for the purpose of supporting and advocating for those suffering from “Mental Heath, Addiction, Domestic Violence, and Social Cohesion issues”.
“We do this not only by creating and delivering new and innovative programs and initiatives, but also by supporting, adding value, and advocating for the existing programs and initiatives that are operational within the community,” a statement reads.
“We want to create a community of leaders with the courage to speak up; a network of likeminded people who may have experienced these things in their lives, and found their way through to the other side with a desire to guide their peers to a different perspective.”
“If you’re struggling, we will give you a safe platform to tell your story, where the only feedback you will receive is supportive and empowering. There is no shame in suffering, and nothing to be gained by doing so in silence.”
If you've been following my music over the last few months you'd know that I've had some really fucked up struggles with addiction and mental illness and the worst part about it all is that I didn't tell anyone, kept it to myself and didn't wanna be a burden.. After seeing the reaction to "I'm sorry" and seeing how many people are going through something SO similar but are also doing so in total silence, it's inspired us to create The 180 Movement ….
Posted by 360 on Friday, March 18, 2016
