Film & Media Workshop: Sippin' on Sizzurp: Hip Hop Culture, Lean, and Media Representations of Opioid Use among Minoritized Communities in the South-Film & Media Workshop: Sippin' on Sizzurp: Hip Hop Culture, Lean, and Media Representations of Opioid Use among Minoritized Communities in the South

Film & Media Workshop: Sippin' on Sizzurp: Hip Hop Culture, Lean, and Media Representations of Opioid Use among Minoritized Communities in the South

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The recent film and media workshop at a conference featured a discussion on hip-hop culture, Lean, and media representations of opioid use, especially within marginalized communities in the urban South. It was presented by Dr. Darryl Shorter and Dr. Ayanna Jordan, both leading figures in addiction psychiatry, along with Adit Ram, a medical student from Baylor College of Medicine.<br /><br />The session explored the cultural phenomenon of Lean, also known as "purple drink" or "sizzurp," a concoction of codeine and promethazine mixed with soda and candy. The speakers traced Lean's roots back to the music scenes of the 1960s and its rise in popularity through the hip-hop community, particularly with artists like DJ Screw, whose prominent Lean use and subsequent death highlighted the drug’s dangers.<br /><br />A key part of the discussion focused on the portrayal of substance use in hip-hop and media. Initially, the genre eschewed drug use, promoting community empowerment. However, the narrative shifted over the decades, with the 1980s and 1990s popularizing the image of the drug dealer as a symbol of resilience and street wisdom. The 21st century brought another shift, framing drug use itself as glamorous and desirable, heavily influenced by hip-hop's pervasive reach.<br /><br />The workshop concluded with a discussion on treating Lean use disorder, emphasizing the need for culturally informed care and psychoeducation. By engaging with patients through cultural touchstones like hip-hop, providers can better understand and address substance use behaviors. The session closed with reflections on hip-hop’s dual power as a potential risk factor and a vehicle for positive health messaging.

Keywords

hip-hop culture

Lean

opioid use

marginalized communities

urban South

addiction psychiatry

codeine

promethazine

DJ Screw

substance use

media portrayal

culturally informed care

psychoeducation

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