XXXTentacion
Listening again, it hit me how much X changed the landscape of music, even if his career was tragically cut short. He was complicated, controversial, and at times self-destructive, but there’s no denying his impact. X didn’t just release songs; he let you into his mind, no matter how dark or chaotic it got.
Born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, XXXTentacion burst onto the scene in 2015 with his breakout track “Look at Me!” That song was an earthquake. Its distorted bass, screamed vocals, and unapologetic aggression were the antithesis of polished radio rap. It sounded like nothing else at the time, and it set the tone for what X would represent: an unfiltered voice for a generation struggling with mental health, alienation, and anger.
But what really made X stand out was his versatility. He could go from raging on tracks like “Look at Me!” and “Off the Wall!” to the deeply introspective “Save Me” or “Everybody Dies in Their Nightmares.” His debut album, 17 (2017), stripped away the noise and put his pain front and center. It wasn’t just an album; it was therapy—for him and for the listeners who connected with his lyrics about depression, heartbreak, and suicide. Tracks like “Depression & Obsession” and “Carry On” felt almost too intimate, like reading someone’s journal.
Then came ? (2018), where X showed the full range of his artistry. The album jumps between genres—emo, R&B, rap, rock—without ever losing its emotional core. “SAD!” became his biggest hit, a perfect storm of heartbreak and catchy vulnerability, but deeper cuts like “Numb” and “Alone, Part 3” revealed just how much he was wrestling with himself. It was clear X was still figuring out who he was, both as an artist and a person.
His music wasn’t just about the beats or the melodies—it was about the raw honesty. X wasn’t afraid to show the messiness of his life, even when it meant airing out his worst mistakes. And while his personal life was mired in controversy, including allegations of abuse, he never shied away from confronting his demons. That duality—his ability to create music that healed while being a deeply flawed person—defined his legacy.
Even after his death in 2018, X’s influence is everywhere. Artists like Juice WRLD, Trippie Redd, and even Billie Eilish have cited him as an inspiration. His willingness to blend genres, to be vulnerable in a genre often dominated by bravado, opened doors for countless artists who came after him.
Revisiting X’s music now, it’s clear why he resonated so deeply with his fans. He gave them permission to feel everything—the anger, the sadness, the hope—and he did it without filters. Love him or hate him, XXXTentacion left an indelible mark on music and culture. He was messy, brilliant, and human, and his art reflected all of that. And maybe that’s why his music still hits as hard as it does—it’s a reminder that in all the chaos, there’s a kind of beauty too.