LIVE FREE 999 FUND: EASING THE PAIN IN JUICE'S NAME

The Live Free 999 Fund has been established to honor the legacy of Jarad “Juice WRLD” Higgins (who died late last year) by supporting young people dealing with addiction, anxiety, depression and other difficulties. The announcement was made by the late rapper’s mother, Carmela Wallace.

The fund will support organizations that “compassionately and successfully” address the aforementioned mental-health challenges—and help sufferers find positive, creative outlets to process them, as Juice did—and will work to help normalize the conversation and reduce the stigma surrounding these issues.

A fund of the 501(c)(3) Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), The Live Free 999 Fund established by Carmela Wallace will receive additional support via Grade A and Interscope Records.

"Young people around the world were truly touched by Jarad’s music because he spoke to issues and situations in his music that resonated with them so deeply,” reads a quote from Carmela Wallace. “I was aware of his struggles with addiction, anxiety, and depression; we had many conversations about his challenges with these issues. I know he truly wanted to be free from the demons that tormented him. I made the decision upon his death that I was going to share his struggles with the world with the objective of helping others. It is my desire to help those who are hurting by providing access to education, prevention and treatment for opioid and other forms of drug addiction. It is my hope that Live Free 999 will help people just as Jarad’s music has and will continue to touch lives for years to come."