TheraBeats: The Healing Power of Hip-Hop – Finding Strength Through Malique’s Journey

What if you could rewind your life like a song? What if every verse captured a chapter of your journey—your childhood dreams, teenage struggles, and the wisdom you gain along the way? LG Malique’s 7 Years Remix does exactly that. Inspired by Lukas Graham’s original track, Malique weaves his personal experiences into a powerful reflection on the passage of time. His lyrics don’t just tell a story; they hold up a mirror, urging us to look back on where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

Artist preforming in front of a large audience.

In this TheraBeats edition, we’ll explore how the song aligns with the life stages model and what it teaches us about growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

Early Struggles and the Search for Identity

Malique's story begins at the tender age of seven. The lyrics reflect a truth many young people face—learning that not everyone around you has your best interests at heart. "Everyone you with, they ain't your homies," he says, a line that resonates with the reality of identity formation during adolescence. For many, early friendships are complicated by betrayal, misunderstandings, and the challenge of figuring out who we are in relation to others. Adolescents are constantly questioning who they are and where they belong, and Malique’s lyrics capture this confusion as he navigates peer relationships and struggles with self-worth. In Erikson’s stages of development, this is the phase of Identity vs. Role Confusion—where young people start to test boundaries, explore who they are, and often feel lost in the process (Orenstein & Lewis, 2022).

The Dark Side of Coping: Substance Abuse and Trauma

By 13, Malique is turning to substances to numb his pain. “By 13, we was smokin' weed and poppin' them perkies,” he raps, exposing how many young people use drugs as a way to cope with unresolved trauma or emotional pain. Substance abuse in adolescence is not just a rebellion against authority—it’s often an attempt to escape emotional turmoil, a theme that’s all too common in the counselling world.

ESC key on keyboard.

In this stage, Malique also faces physical and emotional abuse at home, a scenario many individuals in counselling may relate to. ***“I was gettin' beatin', my momma would hurt me,”*** he confesses. This moment shows how trauma from caregivers can shape a child’s worldview and emotional health, pushing them to search for ways to cope, sometimes leading to self-destructive behaviours. In therapy, addressing trauma and providing healthier alternatives to coping mechanisms is vital in helping individuals heal and move forward.

Resilience and Fighting for a Better Future

But there’s a turning point in Malique’s story that many will find deeply inspiring. Despite facing numerous obstacles—abuse, substance use, and feelings of hopelessness—he doesn’t give up. “It ‘posed to been me, but I put up a fight,” he says. This line speaks to the heart of resilience—the ability to face adversity and continue moving forward. He also expresses an evolving sense of self-worth, especially when he starts to see the value in his journey, even when it was hard "God's timing is real, it's the reason he made me wait". In counselling, resilience-building is a powerful theme, where clients can be encouraged to fight through challenges, realizing their potential despite setbacks.

A grey image of two people boxing.

In counselling, fostering resilience is one of the key goals. Helping individuals build mental strength, understand their inner power, and fight through challenges can be transformative. Malique shows us that, even when life seems stacked against you, there’s always a choice: to give in or to push forward and claim a better future. His resilience becomes a source of inspiration for anyone who feels lost or hopeless.

The Power of Supportive Relationships

At age 15, Malique meets someone who changes the course of his life. “15, when I first met Steff… Thank God, I was all by myself.” The love and support from Steff provide him with the strength he needs to keep going. This moment speaks volumes about the importance of positive relationships and mentorship in overcoming life’s toughest challenges.

For many people, especially adolescents, having a reliable and supportive figure can make all the difference. In counselling, the role of support systems—whether it’s a mentor, friend, or counsellor—is emphasized. Healthy relationships help individuals feel validated, understood, and encouraged to continue striving for their goals, no matter how difficult the journey may be.

The lyric "Wishin' that I wasn't born, but I didn't have a vote" is a stark reflection of suicidal ideation or deep emotional pain. Many adolescents experience dark thoughts during challenging periods. In counselling, it's vital to address these feelings with empathy and validate the emotional struggles that come with this stage.

Hope and Healing: The Role of Time and Patience

As Malique enters his 20s, there’s a shift. His perspective on life changes from one of despair to one of hope. “I knew that I'd be great… Everything I said I'd do, I finally finished.” Malique’s belief that God’s timing is real reflects the healing power of patience and delayed gratification. This sense of hope and belief in his future aligns with purpose development—an important theme in counselling. Even when life seems challenging, finding a sense of purpose can be a transformative part of therapy, helping individuals believe that their struggles can lead to growth and success.

You didn’t come this far to only come this far.

In counselling, it’s essential to remind clients that while the road to healing may seem long, time has a way of bringing clarity, growth, and rewards. Malique’s journey shows that dreams can still come true, even if they arrive later than expected.

The Ultimate Message: Growth and Self-Acceptance

By the time Malique turns 30, he’s not just looking back at his struggles; he’s celebrating his growth and achievements. The message here is clear: life is a journey of ups and downs, but with resilience, support, and time, healing and success are possible. Malique’s story embodies self-acceptance and the realization that we can create our own futures, no matter where we start from.

As we listen to Malique’s music, we hear the echoes of his struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. Hip-hop has a unique way of telling stories that not only entertain but also heal. For those facing similar battles, Malique’s lyrics offer a sense of comfort, reminding us that we’re not alone in our struggles—and that even through the darkest times, there’s always the possibility of a brighter future.
In the end, TheraBeats isn’t just about the rhythm or the beat—it’s about how music can help us process our emotions, find strength in our struggles, and heal. Just like Malique, we can all find our way through the noise and into the light.

References

Government of Canada. (2024). Mental health support: get help - Canada.ca. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html

Orenstein, G. A., & Lewis, L. (2022, November 7). Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556096/

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TheraBeats: The Stages of Life in LG Malique’s "7 Years Remix"