British rapper Professor Green has delivered a raw and emotional message about the profound strain following his separation from fiancée Karima McAdams, detailing his battle with drink and drugs and offering crucial advice for other single fathers.
A Father's Pain and Past Trauma
The 41-year-old artist, whose real name is Stephen Manderson, spoke candidly from his car about the dangerous period he faced after the split. He described men in his situation—separated from the mother of their child—as being 'incredibly high risk'. He admitted to making poor coping decisions, including drinking and taking drugs in isolation, which nearly cost him his life.
This struggle is deeply personal for the rapper, whose own father, Peter, tragically took his own life in 2008 when Professor Green was 24. The rapper revealed the chilling moment he realised his own actions could have led to the same fate for his five-year-old son, Slimane, putting the boy through the same trauma he endured.
The Reality of Co-Parenting Struggles
Professor Green has been vocal about the difficulties of co-parenting his young son, describing the arrangement as something that 'really sucks'. He lamented the incidental moments of parenting he misses, such as bedtime kisses and play fights. 'Once the phone is put down, goodnight is goodnight. It's not a good night, it's not a great night,' he said emotionally, highlighting the void left by not sharing a home with his child.
He also touched on the complications around special occasions and birthdays, noting that his son no longer gets to have both parents together for cuddles or celebrations.
A Plea to Speak Out and Seek Help
Offering hard-won advice, Professor Green urged other men not to implode or fall into destructive habits like gambling, drink, drugs, or porn. 'If you want to be a strong man, sit with your feelings,' he asserted. He emphasised that these quick fixes are temporary and their relief becomes shorter over time.
His concluding message was one of support and encouragement: 'Speak up, say things, find a place where you can speak openly and honestly that will be safe and met with what you need.'
Professor Green and Karima McAdams, who welcomed Slimane in 2019 and were engaged shortly after, called off their engagement in 2023. They have, however, maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship for their son.
