Royce 5’9 has revealed he has been quietly facing serious health challenges that affected both his speech and ability to record. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the Detroit rapper shared that he has been living with lingual dystonia, a rare neurological condition.
A Battle with a Rare Condition
According to Royce, the illness began disrupting his work several years ago. “There’s some kind of interruption in the nerve firing off in my tongue”, he explained. The condition caused painful spasms, making it difficult for him to talk or perform.
Furthermore, doctors discovered inflamation in Royce’s cranial and vagus nerves. “I got a genetic condition called the COMT gene that processes dopamine slower than normal”, he said. “When your dopamine is low, that’s like Parkinson’s, ADHD… I had involuntary movements in my face and in my tongue”.
Eventually, he learned that his brain also produces dopamine unevenly between the hemispheres, worsening the symptoms. Over the years, he went through several misdiagnoses and rounds of medication before finding a treatment that worked.
Gradually Getting Back to Music
Thankfully, Royce says he is “almost through it” and feeling better. He has also been back in the studio. This time as an executive producer on Big L’s posthumous album “Harlem’s Finest: Return of the King”. After working on it, he has started recording his music again.
This project marks a hopeful new chapter for Royce, whose discography already stands as one of the strongest in hip hop. From his 2001 debut “Rock City” to “The Book of Ryan” and “The Allegory”, the latter earning him a Grammy nomination, Royce has long been known for his lyricism and honesty.
A Career Worth Celebrating
Over the years, he has balanced a thriving solo career with acclaimed collaborations. His work in Slaughterhouse, with DJ Premier as PRhyme and his duo Bad Meets Evil with Eminem showcased his technical mastery and sharp storytelling.
However, his more recent releases, including “The Heaven Experience” (2022) and “Microdose” with Courtney Bell (2024), slipped quietly under the radar. Now, fans understand why: behind the scenes, Royce was battling a life-altering condition.
Looking Ahead
Still, the rapper’s resilience remains unshaken. With his health improving and his passion reignited, Royce 5’9 seems ready for a comeback. His story is one of perseverance, faith, and the relentless pursuit of artistic integrity.
