The Logic Behind “1-800-273-8255”

Released on April 28, 2017, “1-800-273-8255” by American rapper and recording artist Logic sparked a flood of calls to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 

Artists Logic, Alessia Cara and Khalid came together to write and produce an immensely important song about the sensitive subject of suicide. The song is a conversation between a suicidal caller and a Lifeline counselor that gives the caller reasons to value his life. Transitioning from hopeless to hopeful, this song sparks a sense of optimism in the listeners.

With this story plot, and the title of the song being the number of the hotline, it sparked awareness of the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, increasing traffic to their website and lifeline dramatically. On the day of the song’s release, the hotline’s average calls increased by 27%, reaching 4,573 calls, its second highest volume ever recorded. Subsequently, the website’s use increased by 100,000 average users monthly.

https://twitter.com/Logic301/status/930938282539491328

Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Francis Gonzalez, said that the Lifeline was aware and prepared for the release of the song. Call centers were alerted of the song’s release and the impact it may have, giving the counselors a warning of the possible influx of calls. The Lifeline was honored when they heard that the song was going to be named after it.

“We believe this is a great example of how it is possible for artists and the media to address suicide thoughtfully and creatively, alongside people in the field,” Gonzalez said on behalf of the hotline.

Inspiration for this song came from fans that told the rapper that his music “saved their life.” Although he was not trying to do so, hearing this from so many of his fans sparked a sense of purpose to speak to those who needed help.

As a part of the album “Everybody,” “1-800-273-8255” was just one of many songs that addressed touchy subjects. A number of songs on this album spoke to anxiety, racism, social media and poverty. His most well-known motto, “peace, love and positivity” is stated multiple times throughout the album as a means of spreading hope to his listeners.

Explaining that “1-800-273-8255” was “the most important song I’ve ever wrote,” Logic shared more information about the Suicide Prevention Lifeline with his followers on multiple social media platforms, spreading even more hope. The emotional power of this song, along with many other songs on the album, is a beam of light for those struggling with depression, anxiety and discrimination.