Kae Tempest Releases New Single “Diagnoses”: A Poetic Reflection on Mental Health and Identity

Kickstart Hook
Renowned British poet, rapper, and playwright Kae Tempest returns with a haunting new single, “Diagnoses,” offering a powerful blend of raw vulnerability, mental-health commentary, and self-identity exploration. It’s a bold, poetic statement that resonates deeply in today’s modern landscape.

🎙️ The Power of “Diagnoses”: Mental Health in Focus

“Diagnoses” stands out as a visceral anthem of emotional truth. The track is described as “a dexterous exploration of neurodiversity,” with lines like:

“me and you and our trauma flashbacks, relaxing at home with a Horlicks.
Backpacks stuffed full of my dysphoria, your dyspraxia…panic attacks to get the heart rate up.” (boogiedrugstore.net)

These candid moments illustrate Tempest’s courage in laying bare inner turmoil—dysphoria, ADHD, panic, trauma—in poetic form. The song is both a shared confession and a communal affirmation.

📖 Context: “Self‑Titled,” Kae’s Fifth Album

“Diagnoses” serves as the eighth track on Kae Tempest’s upcoming fifth studio album, Self Titled, set to launch on July 4, 2025, via Island Records (stereoboard.com). This album marks a creative rebirth—co-produced with Fraser T. Smith (Adele, Stormzy)—and features collaborations with Neil Tennant, Young Fathers, Connie Constance, and Tawiah (stereoboard.com).

Exploring themes from grief to queer joy and resilience, Self Titled promises to be Kae’s most intimate record yet (nme.com). “Diagnoses” perfectly fits this mold, weaving neurodivergent identity into the album’s emotional tapestry.

🎤 Live Energy: Bringing “Diagnoses” to the Stage

Early glimpses of “Diagnoses” in live performances—such as at London’s Village Underground—have sparked fascination. Critics praised the track’s raw energy: “Diagnoses in particular is a Molotov cocktail of a song lobbed at the wearisome culture wars” (standard.co.uk). Its live debut showcased Kae’s unwavering voice and dynamic stage delivery.

🌍 Why “Diagnoses” Matters Today

In an era of growing awareness around mental health and neurodiversity, “Diagnoses” feels profoundly timely. Kae Tempest candidly embraces mental-health experiences—dysphoria, panic, trauma—giving visibility and voice to those often overlooked (boogiedrugstore.net).

Lyrically potent and rhythmically grounded, the single straddles contemporary consciousness, bridging spoken-word artistry with socially conscious commentary. It’s introspective art with societal relevance.

🔍 Key Themes Explored

1. Neurodivergence as Identity

Lines referencing ADHD, dysphoria, PTSD—woven together with directness—highlight the beauty and pain of neurodivergent experience .

2. Embracing Vulnerability

Kae reaffirms empathy and self-love: “Backpacks stuffed full of my dysphoria…panic attacks to get the heart rate up.” This unfiltered sentiment encourages communal healing.

3. Poetic Form of Resistance

Tempest uses words as both shield and lighthouse, turning personal struggle into universal connection. It’s art that heals and educates simultaneously.

4. A Continuity of Identity

“Diagnoses” resonates within Kae’s larger creative journey—Self Titled explores identity, mental health, and pride, continuing the narrative arc seen in previous works like The Line Is a Curve (boogiedrugstore.net, nme.com).

🔗 How to Listen & Experience It

• Stream “Diagnoses”: Available on all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
• Watch the music video (if available) to catch visual storytelling that supplements the song’s themes.
• See Kae live: Catch the tour starting Summer 2025—mark your calendar for dates in Exeter, Oxford, Glastonbury, and beyond (stereoboard.com).

✨ My Personal Take

As a longtime follower of Kae Tempest’s work, I’m captivated by their fearless honesty. “Diagnoses” hits differently—raw yet tender, unapologetically self-aware, and profoundly binding. This track isn’t just a song—it’s a resonant conversation on mental strength and self-acceptance, delivered in Kae’s inimitable voice.

✅ Conclusion & Call to Action

“Diagnoses” is more than a new single—it’s a cultural and emotional reckoning. Kae Tempest invites us into an intimate space of healing and remembrance. For fans of powerful lyrics and introspective artistry, this is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen to “Diagnoses” now and pre-save Self Titled for release on July 4, 2025. Share your thoughts using #KaeTempestDiagnoses, and join the conversation on mental-health awareness through music.