Out of all the amazing moments and spot-on performances during last night's (August 27th) MTV Video Music Awards, Logic's rendition of "1-800-273-8255" struck a chord with many a viewer. The song, whose title displays the real number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, already packs an emotional punch on its own but, after inviting suicide attempt and loss survivors up on stage with him during the telecast, Logic took things to another level. The survivors, donning shirts that read "You Are Not Alone," gave the performance of the song emotional resonance that won't soon be forgotten. Flanked by Alessia Cara and Khalid, Logic rapped his heart out and, after he was done spitting his bars, he turned in one of the most stirring speeches of the entire evening. The transcript comes courtesy of Buzzfeed News.
"I just want to take a moment to thank you for giving me a platform to talk about something that mainstream media doesn't want to talk about: mental health, anxiety, suicide, depression and so much more that I talk about on this album," he said. "From racism, discrimination, sexism, domestic violence, sexual assault, and so much more; I don't give a damn if you are black, white, or any color in between. I don’t care if you’re Christian, you’re Muslim, you’re gay, you’re straight, I am here to fight for your equality because I believe that we are all born equal, but we are not treated equally and that is why we must fight. We must fight for the equality of every man, woman, and child regardless of race, religion, color, creed, and sexual orientation. So I say here and now if you believe in this message of peace, love, positivity, and equality for all, then I demand that you rise to your feet and applaud not only for yourselves, but for the foundation we are laying for our children."
The rapper ended the night by participating in a selfie session with another outspoken advocate for peace and love the world over, Ellen DeGeneres. It's a night he won't soon forget and a moment of truth and power, coming from a deep sense of human compassion, that those who watched won't let drift from their memories either.
Check out his Ellen selfie below.
