Ten Ways Not To Commit Suicide

Most people realize that the public and private personas of our favorite performers clash; but there are, it seems, different rules for rappers. In a genre predicated on the premise of "keeping it real," these personas are unified by both fan expectations and industry pressures. Here McDaniels (DMC), one-third of pioneering hip-hop group Run D.M.C., shows how devastating such restrictive thinking can be. The self-proclaimed "nerd" and "people pleaser" discusses the meteoric rise and fall of his iconic group and his strained relationship with bandmate Joseph "Run" Simmons. His descent into alcoholism and depression are written with such candor that it feels as though one is reading his personal diary. DMC not only deftly and concisely explains the Run D.M.C. formation and breakup but also intersperses inspirational wisdom for others struggling with difficult life circumstances as well. This important read isn't "just" a memoir; it is also a self-help book that opens the door for conversations about mental health.