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Cordae & Jonquel Jones Open Up About Therapy, Pressure & Finding Balance
Billboard, in partnership with mental health platform BetterHelp, released a video interview featuring rapper Cordae and New York Liberty basketball star Jonquel Jones discussing therapy and the mental toll of success in their respective fields. The conversation, part of Billboard's "Like Minded by BetterHelp" series, sees the two high-profile figures speak candidly about coping with pressure and expectations while staying grounded amid public scrutiny.
The discussion, hosted by Billboard staff writer Kyle Denis alongside licensed professional counsellor Sonni Williams, was filmed in Brooklyn, New York. Jones, the WNBA's 2024 Finals MVP, described therapy as a way of managing pressures beyond her control and said she is "a big advocate" for it, while three-time Grammy nominee Cordae explained he turned to therapy partly to avoid burdening others, including his father, with his problems. The pair reflected more broadly on the routines, relationships and mindset shifts that help them build resilience and stay authentic on stage, on court and in everyday life.
In short
- Cordae and Jonquel Jones discuss therapy in new Billboard/BetterHelp video series
- Both describe using therapy to manage pressure from public success
- Conversation explores resilience, balance and authenticity in high-performance careers
Explained simply
Cordae is an American rapper and three-time Grammy nominee in the hip-hop industry, whilst Jonquel Jones is a professional basketball player for the New York Liberty and 2024 Finals MVP. Both are successful figures in high-pressure, competitive fields where they operate under significant public attention.
Mental health has become an increasingly discussed topic in sports and entertainment, particularly among successful high-profile figures. Both Cordae and Jones have spoken about their experiences with therapy and managing the pressures that come with their careers, including coping with expectations and public scrutiny. These conversations reflect growing awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing to professional resilience and performance.
Discussions about mental health by high-profile figures can influence broader public conversation on the topic. When successful people in visible professions speak openly about using therapy, their audiences encounter examples of mental health support at elite levels of achievement, which may shift how people think about seeking professional help.
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