Warning: The following article discusses mental health issues and suicide.
Kiwi rapper Scribe has issued a warning to his enemies via an Instagram post in which he declares: "I'm not hiding".
The 'Not Many' hitmaker wrote that he was "born in the underworld," but was still "righteous" in the note, which he shared with his nearly 14,000 followers.
"If you coming to get me, dig two graves," the message reads. "If you pull a gun on me... you better pull the trigger. And if you do, make sure you don't f**king miss."
In the caption, the 41-year-old rapper cryptically referred to "death threats", telling anyone who made them against him: "Don't talk about it, be about it."
Real name Malo Luafutu, Scribe recently appeared in an episode of RNZ's Hip Hop Stand Up web series to reflect on his rise to fame and the effect it had on him mentally.
The troubled musician said he wanted to let people know "I'm not dead, I'm not in jail" after years out of the limelight, several brushes with the law and stints in rehab for drug addiction.
Earlier this week, Scribe penned an emotional essay for suicide awareness day in which he opened up about having suicidal thoughts in his past.
The New Zealand hip-hop heavyweight said men - who have the highest sucide rate in the country - are taught to "toughen up and be strong".
"Let me tell you there's nothing weak about it and it's not always selfish," he added.
"Life gets hard and I'm still here if you need someone to listen. And I know sometimes that's all we need."
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
