Unfortunately, the music industry lost another artist way too soon when it was confirmed that rising star Lil Peep was found dead in his tour bus due to an apparent overdose on Nov. 16. While fans erupted in sweet posts on social media commemorating his life and music, others have engaged in a longtime debate over the glorification of drug abuse within showbiz. Lil Peep reportedly overdosed on the prescription drug Xanax, but Erykah Badu says it’s not about drugs; it’s something completely different.

TMZ caught up with the enlightened soul in New York City, where she explained her theory about what’s going on. “I don’t think the issue is music, nor is the issue drugs. It’s mental illness,” she declared. “It’s where we are as people. We’re reflecting what we see. We’re trying to cope with everything around us.” 

She continued by explaining how millennials and Gen Y differ from her generation coming up. “It’s just toxic what’s happening right now in office and everything. And we’re trying to cope with it,” she added. “And the youth are calibrated at such a speed where they’re so bored with where we are evolved to. It’s sad, man. I wish his family well and I pray for his spirit and his life.”

In addition to unhealthy drug use, Lil Peep was also battling depression, which he often noted during interviews and on his social media. Erykah Badu is one of many influencers in the hip-hop community who expressed their deepest sympathies following the 21-year-old’s passing.