Why do they Call Themselves Suicide Boys?

The word $uicideboy$ evokes an odd and powerful response that begs inquiries and intrigue. The musical duo, consisting of cousins Ruby da Cherry (Aristos Petrou) and $lick $loth (Scott Arceneaux Jr.), purposefully selected this contentious moniker to mirror their personal hardships, lifestyles, and the spirit of their music. The title they have chosen says a lot about the culture they represent and the subjects they write about in their songs. However, what does the term “Suicideboys” mean in the context of their artistic expression, and why do they use it?

This article explores the history of the name, the musical journey of the pair, the origins of their contentious identity, and its cultural relevance. We will look at how this term came to represent their struggle with mental health concerns, the underground scene in which they flourish, and the reactions they have gotten from both supporters and detractors.

The Origins of $uicideboy$’ Name

To understand why Ruby and $lick decided to call themselves $uicideboy$, it’s important to look at their lives before they became one of the most influential groups in the underground rap scene. Both cousins grew up in New Orleans, a city known for its rich cultural and musical heritage. However, they did not lead easy lives. They struggled with poverty, broken families, and drug addiction, experiences that deeply influenced their music and identity.

In numerous interviews, the duo has been candid about their past, revealing that their name is not just a shocking title meant to garner attention but a reflection of their personal struggles. They have openly discussed their battles with depression, suicidal thoughts, and addiction. The name “$uicideboy$” is a representation of a pact the two made in their darkest moments: if they didn’t succeed in their music career, they would take their own lives.

This pact was born out of despair, but it also served as a driving force behind their relentless work ethic and eventual success. While it may sound grim, this dark humor, defiance, and confrontation of death are integral to their image and the themes they explore in their lyrics.

Confronting Mental Health and Addiction in Music

Mental health issues are central to the identity of $uicideboy$, and their name serves as a direct reflection of the demons they face. Depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation are frequent themes in their music, which resonates deeply with listeners who feel alienated by mainstream pop culture’s typically sanitized portrayal of life.

For Ruby and $lick, music became both an outlet and a means of survival. Rather than shying away from difficult conversations, they dive headfirst into the raw emotions that accompany addiction and despair. Their music can often sound bleak, with songs like “Kill Yourself (Part III)” and “Paris” encapsulating feelings of hopelessness and loss.

The duo has discussed how their music serves as a form of therapy, not only for themselves but also for their fans. Their songs reflect the pain they have lived through, but they also offer solace to listeners who may feel alone in their struggles. The unflinching honesty of their lyrics has built a dedicated fanbase that sees the $uicideboy$ as more than just rappers—they are relatable figures who give voice to the struggles many face silently.

Challenging the Norms of Hip-Hop and Society

The name $uicideboy$ also serves as a critique of societal norms and the commercialization of music. In a world where artists are often pressured to conform to mainstream trends to achieve success, $uicideboy$ has rejected these conventions. They remain staunchly independent, releasing music under their own label, G*59 Records, and embracing the underground culture that has shaped their identity.

By choosing a name as provocative as $uicideboy$, they are making a statement: they are not interested in fitting into the mold of traditional hip-hop. Their music isn’t designed to top the charts or appeal to a broad audience. Instead, it’s a raw and unfiltered reflection of their reality.

The name also challenges the stigma surrounding mental health issues, particularly in the hip-hop community. In a genre that has historically emphasized toughness and machismo, discussions of depression, vulnerability, and suicidal thoughts are often seen as taboo. However, Ruby and $lick have made it their mission to break down these barriers, using their music as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and destigmatize conversations around it.

The Aesthetic and Symbolism of Death

Another reason behind the duo’s name lies in their aesthetic. Death, darkness, and morbidity are recurring motifs in their music, artwork, and public personas. This aesthetic is partly a reflection of their personal experiences with loss, addiction, and despair, but it also speaks to the broader cultural influences that shape their art.

Drawing from the underground horrorcore subgenre and punk music, $uicideboy$ blends hip-hop with elements of punk, heavy metal, and horror. This fusion gives their music a distinct sound and style that is both aggressive and melancholic, further reflected in their name.

The obsession with death and the macabre in their music can also be seen as a coping mechanism. For Ruby and $lick, confronting death head-on through their art allows them to grapple with their fears and anxieties. By embracing these themes, they reclaim control over their struggles, turning their pain into art that resonates with those going through similar experiences.

Reception: Praise and Criticism

As with any group that takes on a provocative name and controversial subject matter, $uicideboy$ has faced both praise and criticism. Their fans, particularly younger listeners, appreciate their brutal honesty and willingness to talk about issues like depression, addiction, and mental health in ways that are often left unspoken in mainstream culture.

However, the duo has also been criticized for glorifying self-destructive behavior. Some detractors argue that their name and lyrics could potentially encourage impressionable fans to romanticize or trivialize suicide. Ruby and $lick have pushed back against this criticism, maintaining that their music is a reflection of their personal experiences and that they aim to create a dialogue around mental health, not promote harmful behavior.

They have also become figures of inspiration for those who have battled similar demons, with many fans sharing stories of how $uicideboy$’ music has helped them through their darkest moments. This highlights the power of their name and art to foster a sense of community among those who feel isolated or misunderstood.

The Evolution of $uicideboy$

Over the years, $uicideboy$ has evolved, both musically and personally. Their early music was heavily centered on themes of despair and hopelessness, but as they have grown and found success, their sound has matured. While their music still touches on dark themes, there are also moments of hope and resilience, as the duo reflects on overcoming addiction and finding purpose through their art.

Despite their growth, the name $uicideboy$ remains a key part of their identity. It serves as a reminder of where they came from, the struggles they’ve faced, and the journey they’ve been on. For Ruby and $lick, the name is more than just a title—it’s a testament to their survival and their commitment to using music as a means of healing.

In the end, the question of why they call themselves $uicideboy$ is deeply tied to the duo’s life experiences, their battles with mental health, and their desire to challenge societal norms. The name represents their pact, their defiance in the face of despair, and their mission to bring awareness to issues that are often swept under the rug.

While controversial, the name $uicideboy$ encapsulates the essence of who Ruby and $lick are as artists: raw, unfiltered, and unafraid to confront the darker aspects of life. Through their music, they offer a voice to those who feel unheard, turning their struggles into a source of empowerment for themselves and their fans alike.

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