Life After Death: XXXtentacion
Jalen Hendrix
Jalen Hendrix
Twenty-eighteen has been a year of sadness for fans of the hip-hop genre. Over the time span of eight months we have lost three significant artists. One of which is Florida rapper Jahseh Onfroy a.k.a. XXXtentacion. Onfroy is by far one of the most controversial artists of the past five years. After speculation of aggravated assault and domestic violence charges, “X” was on a spiritual journey, uplifting himself and others. The last months of his life were spent giving back to others and planning charity events. The last charity event he planned was scheduled for the weekend he died. One thing X did was make sure that he would not be forgotten.
To prove that he had star power X dropped his second album ? this past spring. The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard album charts and has since been certified platinum. The lead single “SAD” has hit number one on several charts and is played in heavy rotation across countless radio and streaming services. The last two singles “Change” and “Moonlight” have both peaked in the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. This album was a bit more of a lighter tone than his previous album 17, which is hauntingly dark.
Listening to his 2017 album 17 you can hear the pain and suffering he has dealt with. It is sort of a confession to his fans that he was battling his own demons. In his own words he describes the album as, “a collection of nightmares, thoughts and situations into which I’ve lived”. In the opening monologue he goes on to say ,” by listening to this album you are literally and I cannot stress this enough, literally going inside of my head.”15 year-old Aniyah King “By the time I listened to it the third time I was like okay this is it…this album…IS AMAZING.”
In the months after his death X has managed to stay on the charts. The week after X’s passing, eight songs from his previous album re-entered the Billboard Hot 100. While his death may have been his introduction into many peoples lives it also sheds light on the person he was working to be. In multiple Instagram live streams form earlier this year, he talks to his fans in deeply personal ways and expresses his love for them. Of course, it may not excuse what he has been accused of but it does prove that he was working to move away from the person he was.
His death was by far one of the most heart wrenching of the year because of the path he was just starting to walk on and because of him being only 20 years of age. It was obvious that he was on track to becoming a sort of role model for teens and young adults. As of yet, X has sold a staggering 4.5 million records since his death and counting. His music is a powerful substance to those who enjoy it and a remedy for those who understand it. Sophomore Lauren Reddick “I’ve had points in life where I get really down and it felt good to know somebody else understood my mentality.” It is safe to say that XXXtentacion may have departed from us, but has left incredibly honest masterpieces behind.
“ I appreciate and I love all of you and I believe in you all…your mind is limitless, you are worth more than you believe.”
-XXXtentacion
To prove that he had star power X dropped his second album ? this past spring. The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard album charts and has since been certified platinum. The lead single “SAD” has hit number one on several charts and is played in heavy rotation across countless radio and streaming services. The last two singles “Change” and “Moonlight” have both peaked in the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. This album was a bit more of a lighter tone than his previous album 17, which is hauntingly dark.
Listening to his 2017 album 17 you can hear the pain and suffering he has dealt with. It is sort of a confession to his fans that he was battling his own demons. In his own words he describes the album as, “a collection of nightmares, thoughts and situations into which I’ve lived”. In the opening monologue he goes on to say ,” by listening to this album you are literally and I cannot stress this enough, literally going inside of my head.”15 year-old Aniyah King “By the time I listened to it the third time I was like okay this is it…this album…IS AMAZING.”
In the months after his death X has managed to stay on the charts. The week after X’s passing, eight songs from his previous album re-entered the Billboard Hot 100. While his death may have been his introduction into many peoples lives it also sheds light on the person he was working to be. In multiple Instagram live streams form earlier this year, he talks to his fans in deeply personal ways and expresses his love for them. Of course, it may not excuse what he has been accused of but it does prove that he was working to move away from the person he was.
His death was by far one of the most heart wrenching of the year because of the path he was just starting to walk on and because of him being only 20 years of age. It was obvious that he was on track to becoming a sort of role model for teens and young adults. As of yet, X has sold a staggering 4.5 million records since his death and counting. His music is a powerful substance to those who enjoy it and a remedy for those who understand it. Sophomore Lauren Reddick “I’ve had points in life where I get really down and it felt good to know somebody else understood my mentality.” It is safe to say that XXXtentacion may have departed from us, but has left incredibly honest masterpieces behind.
“ I appreciate and I love all of you and I believe in you all…your mind is limitless, you are worth more than you believe.”
-XXXtentacion