International dancehall artiste 450 is tackling mental and emotional struggles on his latest single, Not Okay, which was released alongside its accompanying music video on September 18.

Produced by popular music producer Jahvanie “Weekday” Morrison, the track arrives during Suicide Prevention Month and explores feelings and experiences that the producer believes many people struggle to articulate.

“The track is just a reflection of real life, feelings and emotions,” Weekday told the Jamaica Observer.

The song comes amid an increase in reported suicide cases locally. Data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Information and Statistics Management Division show that Jamaica recorded 44 reported suicide cases up to September 7, a 15.8 per cent increase over the 38 recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. The figure, however, represents a 12 per cent decline from the 50 cases reported over the same period in 2024.

Against that backdrop, Weekday believes music that addresses emotional struggles can help listeners recognise that they are not alone.

“It’s very important because a lot of people are struggling mentally and they don’t know how to express themselves. Some people don’t have anybody to express themselves to,” he said. “So it’s important for people struggling to know that they’re not alone and others are out here having the same experience and are willing to help, even if it’s just words of encouragement.”

According to Weekday, the response to Not Okay has already exceeded his expectations, with listeners sharing their own experiences with depression and anxiety after hearing the song.

450.

“The feedback has been greater than I expected. Thousands of people are responding and expressing their feelings, letting us know that this song specifically is helping them with their depression and anxiety,” he shared.

He added that the song amassed more than 500,000 streams within its first two days of release.

For Weekday, Not Okay also reflects an effort to explore subject matter outside some of the themes currently dominating the musical landscape.

“We’ve realised that most of the music coming out these days is surrounding the same topic, so we try to think outside or find new, interesting ways to spin certain topics,” he explained.

The producer hopes the record will ultimately provide some encouragement to listeners experiencing difficult periods in their lives.

“I hope this song will help people going through a hard time to know that they’re not alone. They shouldn’t give up; the feeling will pass. Just work through it and stay motivated,” Weekday said. “Bad times don’t last. Just make sure you take care of yourself both physically and mentally.”

— Kediesha Perry