Addiction takes many forms. The stereotypical addict is often imagined as disheveled, unbathed and unkempt. In extreme cases, this depiction holds true. But addiction can also look like an artist chasing her dreams while quietly escaping reality. Since the early days of Hollywood and Motown, addiction and entertainment have gone hand in hand. While critics argue that today’s rap music often glorifies drug use — especially ecstasy — Halle Barrett, who performs under the moniker JuicyMa, masked her struggles behind high-energy performances and raunchy lyrics.
Barrett began rapping while stationed at Fort Campbell. It was there she first experimented with ecstasy — a compressed pill form of MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), often cut with substances like caffeine, ketamine and sometimes even fentanyl. Marketed with flashy logos and known as a party drug, ecstasy induces euphoria and heightened sexuality. As JuicyMa’s sexually charged persona took the stage, Halle Barrett was silently fighting a private battle. After losing her father in 2022 and returning home to Fayetteville following a successful military career, her occasional drug use spiraled into addiction.
Fayetteville rap artist: What started as casual use turned into an addiction
At first, she didn’t realize how widespread the drug culture was in her hometown. But as her profile grew in the local music scene, ecstasy found her. What began as casual use became part of the JuicyMa brand, blending seamlessly with bold, City Girls–esque lyrics. Yet behind the persona, Barrett was grieving, coping and craving a sense of direction. One of her first major steps in reclaiming her life was confronting her addiction. In a recent interview, she revealed she has been seven months sober. Through therapy and self-awareness, she broke free from MDMA.
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