JAY-Z hopes Chester Bennington’s death serves as ‘wake-up call’ for mental health awareness

JAY-Z believes the heartbreaking loss of late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington could serve a greater purpose by helping to spread awareness about mental health.

Bennington — who famously collaborated with JAY-Z for the 2004 megahit "Numb/Encore" — took his own life in July.

"Hopefully his death serves as a wake-up call," Jay-Z said during a recent interview with BBC Radio 1. "Mental health is a real thing. You never know what people are going through, and you think because they're performers and he sold 14 million records — that doesn't equate to happiness. Money or fame doesn't mean anything if you're not happy inside."

JAY-Z performed his crossover hit with Linkin Park during his time at the BBC studios as a tribute to Bennington. He also played a new song, "Family Feud," during his appearance, which commemorated the 50th anniversary of the British outlet's Live Lounge.

The rapper recently performed "Numb/Encore" during his set at The Meadows festival in Queens as well.

Bennington's death was ruled suicide by hanging after authorities found him dead inside his Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., home on July 20 at the age of 41.

He is survived by his wife, Talinda, and his six kids.

Earlier this month, Bennington's son Draven, 15, appeared in a video to support National Suicide Prevention Week, which took place during the week of Sept. 10-16 this year.

"I want to make a commitment that I will talk to someone before I hurt myself when I'm feeling depressed, sad or going through a hard week, month or year," Bennington says in the PSA. "I want to challenge you to do the same. To help yourself, not hurt yourself."

Linkin Park is scheduled to perform a tribute concert in honor of Bennington on Oct. 27 in Los Angeles, which will mark the group's first performance since their longtime singer's death.

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