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15 Feb 2026 4:42
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  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Jordan Stephens "wasn't equipped to deal with" early fame

    The 33-year-old rapper became known as part of Rizzle Kicks alongside Harley Alexander-Sule in the early 2000s and admitted upon their reunion that there is likely to be a "reason" that so many young artists end up going down a dark path


    Speaking on ITV News, he explained: "We rose to our highest point of notoriety quite young and even though we probably felt as if we were equipped to deal with that kind of attention, we weren't.

    "Our lives have shifted dramatically, our values have changed so the process [this time round] has been a lot calmer.

    "I think there's a reason why so many famous people end up hurting themselves. "

    In the joint interview, Jordan was joined by his bandmate and he believes that in order for things to change within the industry, record labels should paying for the healthcare of their employees.

    He said: "The conversation around mental health was quite timely if that can make sense. I think there needs to be a thing where at record labels there's like in-house therapists so they can have that support around them, the label can pay for the healthcare. We didn't have that."

    Jordan - who alongside Harley became known fo hits like 'Down with the Trumpets' - recently admitted that he ended up in a "whirlwind" of addiction during those early days of success.

    He told The Observer: "I was taking 400mg then, so I'm firing on all cylinders: a rap album, a punk album; hot yoga, new ventures, hitting the gym... and I'm driving myself into debt. I was on one. And I was finger-pointy, but I didn't know s***, bro. The perception I had of myself was so shallow and fragile. All it took was a woman to bin me off and that was it. My whole sense of self disintegrated.

    "It was a f****** whirlwind. There's a lot I don't remember, and I feel totally detached from certain things that happened. But I just think, right now, it's not important. All you need to know is that I had time on my hands, and some cash in the bank."

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

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     Today's News

    Environment:
    The North Island is suffering another weekend of weather chaos and it may be in for more 21:57

    Entertainment:
    Lindsey Vonn is recovering after undergoing a third surgery following her frightening crash at the Winter Olympics 21:51

    Entertainment:
    James Van Der Beek was reportedly working on a memoir prior to his death 21:21

    Environment:
    A warning for those in weather affected zones to be vigilant as it starts to get dark 21:17

    Skiing:
    Valentino Guseli thought he saw an 'omen from the shred gods' during the 2026 Winter Olympics halfpipe final 21:07

    Entertainment:
    Alfonso Ribeiro will "always be there" for James Van Der Beek's kids following the actor's death 20:51

    Entertainment:
    Authorities believe Savannah Guthrie's missing mother Nancy is still alive 20:21

    Entertainment:
    Bijou Phillips has launched an urgent appeal to find a kidney donor 19:51

    Entertainment:
    Stacy Keibler says it was a "gift from God" to be with James Van Der Beek in his "final days" 19:21

    Health & Safety:
    Two sailors have been hospitalised after a nasty crash between the Black Foils and France, forcing the cancellation of racing for the day at the Auckland Sail GP event 18:57


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