CHAT SESSION 40 with Marlon
Topic- From Darkness to Lyrics: 24/8's Resilient Rhapsody
Catch up and listen to our chat session https://megaphone.link/LCRUI1524437331
Monday 29th January 2024 1pm https://rppfm.com.au
Photography-Bethany Ridley
Meet Marlon Bereux, the Australian rapper known as 24/8, carving his path on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. His rap odyssey commenced with the influential beats of Eminem's "The Marshall Mathers LP," a pivotal moment he boldly declared to his father as the genesis of his future as a rapper.
Rap became more than an art form for 24/8; it became his refuge. Wrestling with the weight of body image issues, he wielded the power of rhyme to channel his anger and find solace. However, the crescendo of his journey hit a dissonant note in 2019 when he faced a barrage of eight concussions in six months, leading to a diagnosis of chronic post-concussion syndrome. This tumultuous period stripped away his independence, job, and even his fiancée, leaving him in a dark place where giving up seemed like the only option.
"I wanted to give up. I didn’t see the point. I could barely walk; it hurt just to think. It wasn’t a fun time," recalls 24/8, reflecting on the abyss he found himself in. Bedridden and frequenting hospitals, he grappled with the loss of basic abilities, unable to drive or shower independently. Yet, amidst the challenges, he clung to the flicker of hope and embarked on a journey of rehabilitation, gradually reclaiming his independence, albeit with difficulty.
A pivotal moment in 2021 became the turning point in 24/8's life. Battling constant pain and the looming specter of falls, he found himself contemplating a dark decision on the 22nd floor of his South Bank apartment. Overwhelmed by pain and hopelessness, he stood on the precipice, ready to end it all. In that critical moment, an angel appeared – his mother. The thought of the anguish he would inflict on his loved ones pulled him back from the edge, steering him toward a life-altering decision that night.
"I was overweight; I had forgotten how to rap, and I was just not happy," he reflects. Fuelling his transformation, he embraced the "concentration camp diet," a radical approach that halved the minimum calories needed for survival, resulting in an astounding 83-kilogram weight loss. Reaching his goal weight became a symbol of triumph, and he sought creative inspiration on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula.
Having spent years refining his craft, 24/8 found his voice again. He moved beyond merely writing rhymes to crafting songs that authentically express his journey and experiences. His lyrics now serve as a poignant reflection of resilience, redemption, and the profound transformation he underwent.
From the shadows of despair to the lyrical heights of self-expression, 24/8's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the resilience of the human spirit, and the redemptive quality of art. Through his music, he not only found his voice but also discovered a profound purpose in sharing his journey with the world.
Listen to 24/8’s song ‘Why Do I Try’ released 13th October 2023
and The Symbiote released 19th January 2024
My hope is that when you’re looking at yourself in the
‘The Daily Mirror’
YOU SMILE
EMBRACE BEING YOU
AND FIND 10 MINUTES IN YOUR DAY TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL!
To get in touch with Cathy email smileinthedailymirror@gmail.com
'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.
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