Poet Tiriq Rashad: Grief, Loss & Vulnerability in New Music
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Tiriq Rashad Turns Grief into Art with Vulnerable New EP,when the heArt Speaks
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A spoken word artist and poet confronts loss and healing through music,challenging traditional notions of Black masculinity.
Image of Tiriq Rashad – Press Photo
Image: Courtesy of Tiriq Rashad.
Life’s challenges can feel insurmountable, but for Tiriq Rashad, the power of spoken word and literature has been a lifeline. The New Jersey-based artist recently released “No Regrets,” a deeply personal single from his EP, when the heArt Speaks. This project isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to resilience, a tribute to loved ones lost, and a valiant exploration of grief. The EP is dedicated to his late brother, mother, and first child, all of whom passed away within a relatively short period.
Rashad’s music isn’t simply about grief; it embodies the process of navigating it. “No Regrets” stands out as particularly vulnerable, born from profound sorrow but ultimately rooted in healing. It’s a song that resonates not just with personal tragedy,but with the worldwide human experience of loss.
A Story of Multiple Losses
Rashad’s journey to this point has been marked by meaningful hardship. He bravely shared with EBONY the heartbreaking experience of almost losing his wife after suffering a placental abruption at seven months pregnant in 2020, resulting in the loss of their unborn child. While they have since welcomed three more children,the family has continued to experience grief with the passing of Tiriq’s father-in-law.
This accumulation of loss could have easily led to despair, but Rashad found solace and strength in channeling his emotions into his art.He describes music as a crucial outlet for processing and moving forward. It’s a testament to his strength and the power of creative expression as a coping mechanism.
The Impact of Placental Abruption: A Closer Look
Placental abruption, the condition that led to the loss of Rashad’s child, is a serious pregnancy complication. It occurs when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before delivery. This can lead to severe bleeding, fetal distress, and even maternal complications.
| Risk Factors for Placental Abruption | potential Complications |
|---|---|
| Previous abruption | Premature birth |
| High blood pressure | Fetal growth restriction |
| Trauma to the abdomen | Stillbirth |
| Smoking | Maternal shock |
| Multiple pregnancy | Hysterectomy (in severe cases) |
Source: Mayo Clinic, American Pregnancy Association
The emotional toll of placental abruption and subsequent loss is immense, often leading to grief, anxiety, and depression. Rashad’s willingness to share his story helps to destigmatize these experiences and encourages open conversations about pregnancy loss.
Challenging Masculine Norms
Rashad’s decision to embrace vulnerability is particularly significant given the societal expectations placed on men,especially Black men.He reflects on a childhood where emotional expression was discouraged: “The way I was growing up, men, especially Black men, it’s ‘Shut up! Don’t cry! Don’t do this! Figure it out! You’ll be alright! Toug