Ruby Da Cherry and $uicide Christ, a pair of cousins from the 7^th Ward of New Orleans, collectively form punk rap duo $uicideBoy$, and they’d like to walk through the fire with you.

“A lot of people take it as emo, or depressed music, or negative music,” says $uicide Christ from behind white-framed shades. Their moniker alone is likely enough to evoke negative thoughts, but the candid rapper tells MASS APPEAL during the $uicideBoy$’s new episode of “Open Space” that there’s a reason for the dark undertones. “It’s really just connecting. It’s therapy, through music.”

Ruby Da Cherry adds, “That actual substance of the lyrics, yeah, it’s depressing as shit. But if you’re depressed as fuck and you listen to that song, you’ll definitely feel a lot better knowing that somebody is going through the same shit, if not worse.”

In that sentiment lies the modus operandi of the $uicideBoy$. During the interview, Ruby and $uicide discuss their early inspirations—Cash Money for Ruby, Three 6 Mafia for $uicide—including an interesting anecdote from Ruby, who ditched rap at an early age and didn’t return to it until he’d discovered Wu-Tang and N.W.A, who weren’t as into “material bullshit” as the artists that nudged him away from hip hop and into punk rock. In hindsight, Ruby tells MASS APPEAL, that was a pivotal time in the birth of $uicideBoy$.

So was an ultimatum that $uicide Christ once gave himself: “This doesn’t happen by the time I’m 30, I’m blowing my head off.” By “this,” $uicide meant success with his music endeavors. The duo’s latest release, “Pictures” featuring Atlanta rapper Maxo Kream, is nearing the 1.5 million mark on Soundcloud. It’s safe to say they’re well on their way.

Watch the full interview above.