Pursuit of Happiness: Chow Lee, UNIIQU3 and Cory Gunz on How to Deal With Negativity

Chow Lee: When I have any negative emotions the best outlet for me is to record and put what I’m feeling in my music. I usually tend to head to the studio. Even if the songs don’t get released I still tend to do that exercise. [To be more positive] I’ve been listening to more music. Listening to music outside of hip-hop really grounds me. I tend to listen to songs that have positive affirmations to repeat to myself. Right now I think I’m in a really good headspace. I feel like I’m in a position of receiving blessings constantly. Being focused on my mission and goals right now really keeps me in that space. The biggest advice I can give is to love yourself! It all starts from having a strong foundation of self and feeling comfortable with yourself. Being open to hearing the opinions of others and open yourself up to different perspectives. That was key to that journey in loving myself. The best advice I can give to my friends [going through mental health issues] is to TALK TO SOMEONE! I’m always here to listen to the people close to me but it’s important to talk to a professional.

UNIIQU3

For years now, producer-dj-rapper-singer UNIIQU3 has helped propel Jersey Club further into the mainstream consciousness, with her remix of Tinashe’s “Nasty Girl” (“Match my Speed”) currently making waves in clubs and online. But on a personal level, being online all the time can take a toll on anyone’s mental wellbeing. Ahead of her performance at the ESSENCE Festival, she breaks down how she deals with the negativity.

UNIIQU3: I’ve been harassed online by other musicians, trolls and fake pages in the past, and at that time, it really stressed me out. It stressed me, my friends and my family out. It affected some work relationships, too. But having a life and voice for yourself outside of the internet is so important. Overtime, I’ve realized a lot of negativity online doesn’t matter because that energy isn’t physically present in my day to day. Just close the apps and live life. I don’t take a lot of things personally. People often project, so I’ve learned to protect my energy. Honestly, for once I'm truly at peace. I’m always pretty carefree. But I think peace is something I’ve been trying to experience for a while now dealing with this crazy and fast-paced industry on top of life’s curveballs. I’ve gained a lot of mental strength and wisdom over the years so things don’t deteriorate my spirit like they used to. I also learned to say NO when the work doesn’t align with my schedule. It’s important to acknowledge your emotions and honor that when dealing with negative situations. Don’t gaslight yourself and what you're feeling. Take time to analyze the following: What happened? Why did it happen? It made you feel ____ way? Why do you feel that? Can you fix it? How? When? I think everyone has the answers within themselves, sometimes it’s just a matter of hearing yourself say it.

Cory Gunz

As an artist with more than two decades of experience, Cory Gunz is more than a little familiar with the ups and down of the industry — and, of course, life in general. Through it all, he’s learned what steps he needs to regulate his feelings, and in the process, he’s become an expert in emotion management. Now, he’s ready to speak on his process. Fresh off dropping his Loosie Pack 3 mixtape, Cory tells Okayplayer about the steps he takes to preserve his mental health. Peep his breakdown below:

Cory Gunz: I look at everyday as a blessing and I’m grateful for so much that I don’t pay attention to anything that can have a negative effect on my energy. It could be content, people, etc. I pray, and try to stay around like minded company and groups of people who motivate each other to be their best. I also work out or find other productive outlets for my creativity, whether it’s writing or creating some form of art.I learned to step outside of myself and my feelings and view things in a more calmer light from various perspectives. Also, try not to mix intentions with your intuition or emotions. You gotta have discipline. At this point in my life, my mental health is in a great place. I’m around good people with positive energy and I get to do what I love. I can’t complain. I’m blessed. I’m victorious.