Run-DMC's Darryl McDaniels Reflects on Kurt Cobain's Death and His Own Struggles with Suicidal Feelings

McDaniels has opened up about his mental health in recent years in hopes of reaching others who struggle

<p>Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives, Frank Micelotta/Getty Images</p> Darryl McDaniels (left), Kurt Cobain

Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives, Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Darryl McDaniels (left), Kurt Cobain

Darryl "DMC" McDaniels could relate to the pressures facing one of rock's biggest stars.

While Run-DMC was enjoying their time at the height of hip-hop in the late '80s, a new group was coming up on the underground alternative scene. McDaniels recalls hearing early Nirvana as the '90s kicked off while appearing in the Generation X portion of MSNBC's four-part documentary, My Generation.

"Nirvana was an honest expression of not being ashamed to put your angst on the front page," he shares.

Of course, the band's immense success came with a level of fame and notoriety that surprised the band members themselves. It took its toll on lead singer Kurt Cobain, who was 27 years old at the time of his death by suicide in April 1994.

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KMazur / Contributor / Getty Images Kurt Cobain performing in 1993
KMazur / Contributor / Getty Images Kurt Cobain performing in 1993

Related: Kurt Cobain's Death: Looking Back at the Rock Icon's Final Days and Legacy, 30 Years Later

For McDaniels, that internal struggle was very familiar.

"I relate to Kurt because I was there. Later in my life, I became suicidal. And I’m fortunate to still be here, so I have a responsibility to talk about it," he says.

"They have a song, ‘Come as You Are,’  come happy and high and jovial, come as depressed as you are. But unless you admit how you feel, whether good or bad, you never heal," McDaniels notes, concluding, "We’re all in this together.”

<p>Bob Berg/Getty Images</p> Run-DMC

Bob Berg/Getty Images

Run-DMC

Earlier this year, McDaniels told PEOPLE why it's important to him to open up about his complicated journey with his mental health.

"When I tell my truth, I am given everything necessary for me to overcome it. If I hold it in, it will destroy me," he explained.

Related: Run-DMC's Darryl McDaniels Is Getting Vulnerable About His Mental Health: 'It's a Sign of Strength' (Exclusive)

DMC said he was in a very dark place after the murder of Jam Master Jay in 2002 and was actually considering suicide. Then one day he was riding in a cab when he heard Sarah McLachlan's ballad "Angel."

"Something in my spirit said, 'D, it's f---ed up right now. Life is traumatic. It feels like the world is ending, but as long as something that sounds like this exists, maybe I can stay here another day.'"

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.

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