Da L.E.S Reveals Stress Triggered the Stroke He Suffered on His 39th Birthday
South African hip-hop star Da L.E.S has opened up about the stroke he suffered in July last year, describing it as a terrifying and unexpected health crisis brought on by overwhelming emotional strain.
Speaking during a candid conversation on L-Tido’s podcast, the rapper said the incident struck hours after a night out, turning what should have been a celebratory birthday into a life-altering moment.
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“It Just Happened Out of Nowhere”
Da L.E.S said he had returned home after spending the evening with friends when his body suddenly shut down.
“I went home and I just had a stroke — just like that. I don’t even know what happened,” he recalled, calling the experience “weird” and completely unexpected.
Loss, Pressure and Partying Behind the Stress
The rapper admitted that he had long masked deep emotional pain with heavy partying and substance use, although he does not believe drugs caused the stroke.
He said the deaths of his father and close industry friends — including fellow rappers AKA and Riky Rick — left him carrying a heavy emotional load.
“I was hiding a lot of stress from everybody. There was pressure, a lot of partying… I was the life of the party, but your body eventually says no,” he explained.
Recovery Journey Still Underway
Da L.E.S revealed that while his recovery has been slow, his progress has been encouraging. He can walk again, although he is still struggling with mobility and sensation in one arm and hand.
“It goes through stages, but I am walking now… The arm, I can get it up, but I can’t feel the hand yet. It will get there,” he said.
“I’m Just Happy to Be Alive”
Despite the challenges, the rapper said he remains grateful for another chance at life and deeply conscious of the impact his survival has on his children.
“I’m just happy to be alive. I can imagine if I left this world and my kids… It’s insane that the stroke happened on my birthday,” he said.