XXXTentacion, an up and coming rapper from South Florida, has released his first studio album, a project that already has received a tidal wave of criticism. X has a past and present plagued with violence, negligence and controversy.
Remarks from the media have ranged from anything about the promotion of the project, its contents, and even XXXTentacion himself. When looking outside of his music XXXTentacion is simply a problematic individual, who through his success, is being advertised as an “inspiration."
This is detrimental not only to him but to the communities who subscribe and thrive off of rap and its cultural influence.
X's first major song “Look At Me!" entered the Top 40 charts following his incarceration, an event that brought attention to the track. The song itself sonically relies on distortion, creating a sound that many claim is “unique."
Listeners will find themselves unable to understand the lyrics of the project, despite the fact that X is screaming them into the microphone. If one takes the time to read through the words, they come to realize that not only is his lyricism sub-par to that of other up and coming rappers, but that content-wise, graphic depictions of violence and sex are present, even relative to modern Hip-Hop.
While “Look At Me!" is overrated, it is his behavior outside of his music that becomes the most troubling.
A variety of events have occurred in which X's violent behavior was showcased. The first being an armed home invasion. If that isn't telling of his personality, all one has to do is look at his other offenses. These include an accusation of abuse against his pregnant girlfriend, the assault of a crowd member, and an eclectic variety of videos in which XXXTentacion fights, ambushes and attacks numerous people.
These are not petty misdemeanors or drug charges. These are inexcusable assaults.
This behavior is outright disgusting, and the fact that he receives continuous support is even more disturbing.
XXXTentacion has somehow remained relevant long enough for him to produce his first studio album. With its release, a new round of controversy has arisen, mainly focused on his method of promotion.
On XXXTentacion's Instagram, a video was released in which X supposedly jumps down from a tree in which a noose is attached. The video ends with X hanging, the camera now on the ground filming his limp body. The footage was unexpected and unannounced, leading many of his fans to believe that X had in fact, committed suicide.
After the backlash, the video was revealed to be staged with a life-like XXXTentacion doll.
The promo, while misleading and graphic, most importantly displays a sensitive, hurtful message. This is especially true when X has said himself that his fans are often depressed and that they turn to his music for guidance.
While XXXTentacion has developed his brand into an artistic equivalency of evil incarnate, his outside actions cannot and should not also reflect this.
The worst part about this behavior is that all of these incidents have occurred only in the last 2-3 years.
The facts that plague X's record are well-known and well-documented. Both his hardcore and casual fans are aware of his troubles and yet they continue to indulge.
One of their biggest excuses, he's only 19.
Only 19.
When X committed an armed home invasion at 16 he was aware of his actions. When only months ago he punched a crowd member he was aware of his actions. When he pretended to hang himself, he was aware of his actions.
Morality and legality do not grow at the same rate.
I am tired of the countless excuses that XXXTentacion gets and you should be too.
