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XXXTENTACION’s music resonated with millions, leaving behind a legacy that’s as complex as it is captivating. His discography is a rollercoaster of raw emotion and genre-blending tracks that have challenged the norms of hip-hop. Today, I’m diving into his albums, ranking them from the profound depths of his posthumous releases to the raw energy of his debut.
As a fan and critic, I’ve watched XXXTENTACION’s evolution with keen interest. His albums are more than just collections of songs; they’re windows into his soul. So let’s explore the artistry and impact of each record, dissecting what sets them apart and what they’ve contributed to the music industry and culture at large.
1. “17”: A Vulnerable and Introspective Debut
When I peel back the layers of XXXTENTACION’s discography, his debut album “17” stands out as a profoundly raw and emotional journey. Released in 2017, it’s a brief yet intense 22-minute window into the artist’s struggles with depression, love, and existential thoughts. “17” is an embodiment of vulnerability; it’s stripped back from the typical aggressive beats and offers a softer, more mellow sound that resonates with listeners at a deeper level.
The standout tracks such as “Jocelyn Flores” and “Everybody Dies in Their Nightmares” feature minimalist production, which allows X’s heartfelt lyrics to take the forefront. These songs delve deeply into personal pain, touching on subjects of loss and mental health with a candidness that’s rare in rap. Fans connected with the honesty and many found solace in his words, cementing “17” as a touchstone for those dealing with similar issues.
Yet it’s not just the themes that make “17” my top-ranked XXXTENTACION album. The artistic choices taken here showed a young artist willing to push boundaries and defy genres. X eschewed expected norms, meshing elements of indie rock, emo, and R&B into a sound that was entirely his own. For an artist in the often braggadocious world of hip-hop, the album’s introspective and confessional nature marked a daring departure from the mainstream. This courage to be different and to wear his scars so openly gave “17” a unique authenticity that resonated with fans worldwide.
This debut set a precedent for X’s career, indicating a talent unafraid of taking risks and exposing his very real human vulnerabilities. Such bravery in music is not just commendable but essential in the constant evolution of artistic expression. “17” is a testament to that – a raw, unfiltered look into an artist’s soul that struck a chord with a generation. The impact of “17” ripples through the music landscape, challenging listeners and creators to embrace their truths with the same unbridled courage XXXTENTACION did.
2. “?”: Blurring Genres and Embracing Unconventionality
After the significant impact of “17”, XXXTENTACION’s follow-up album “?” arrived in a blaze of glory, blurring the lines between genres with a brazen disregard for conventionality. This album spotlights X’s versatility across an array of soundscapes, ranging from the melancholic to the vigorously energetic. With a tracklist that veers from emo to trap, to indie rock, “?” dares listeners to categorize it, only to defy their expectations at every turn.
“?” includes smash hits like “Sad!” and “Moonlight”, both of which showcase the amalgamation of haunting melodies with hard-hitting lyrics. The album’s creative diversity isn’t just a showcase of X’s musical talents; it also allows his emotional rawness to permeate through a wider variety of sounds and rhythms. Here’s a look at how “?” stands tall in X’s discography:
- “Sad!” climbed the charts with its poignant exploration of heartache and its catchy hook.
- “Moonlight” reflects X’s knack for creating atmospheric tracks that stick in your mind long after they end.
- The inclusion of tracks like “I Don’t Even Speak Spanish Lol” speaks to X’s willingness to experiment with different genres and cultural influences.
The production on “?” is another testament to X’s commitment to pushing boundaries. By collaborating with a variety of producers, each track carries its own distinct flair without compromising the album’s overall cohesiveness. From the guitar-driven “numb” to the introspective “Infinity (888)” featuring Joey Bada$$, “?” is an album that refuses to be pigeonholed into any one genre.
As I dive deeper into the tracks, it’s clear that X’s talent lay in his ability to infuse his music with the complexities of his personal life, creating a unique connection with his audience. His music wasn’t just heard; it was felt, offering solace to those grappling with similar struggles. This visceral impact, coupled with innovative soundscapes, cements “?” firmly as my second-ranked album in XXXTENTACION’s influential yet tragically short-lived musical career.
3. “Skins”: A Bittersweet Evolution in Sound
Delving deeper into XXXTENTACION’s discography, we land on “Skins,” a posthumous album that both built upon and veered from his earlier works. Released in December 2018, “Skins” serves as a testament to X’s evolving artistry, albeit under the shroud of his premature departure.
The album’s atmosphere is underscored by an ethereal quality, one that hinges on minimalist production and raw vocal potency. With just ten tracks spanning a brief 19 minutes, “Skins” encapsulates a sense of urgency and introspective depth. X navigates through themes of vulnerability and existential turmoil, which are punctuated by darker beats and stripped-down soundscapes.
One standout aspect of “Skins” is how X’s ability to tap into a spectrum of emotions seems even more pronounced. Despite the brevity of each song, they convey a multitude of experiences and feelings. Tracks like “BAD!” and “whoa (mind in awe)” showcase a blend of sing-song melodies and subdued lyrical content, allowing listeners to infer the complex layers of X’s psyche.
“Skins” also represents X’s growing inclination towards briefer, more potent musical expressions. Unlike the genre-bending nature of “?”, this album leans towards a more cohesive sonic identity—one that’s distinctly tinged with melancholy and an air of finality. As listeners experience “Skins”, they’re not just hearing an album; they’re engaging with a fragment of X’s legacy, immortalized through sound.
Significantly, “Skins” propelled XXXTENTACION’s fame posthumously, hitting the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart shortly after release. This achievement marked X’s influence and impact, proving that his voice continued to resonate with fans around the globe.
The production on “Skins” saw a team of collaborators who worked diligently to preserve and honor X’s vision. It’s evident that there was a concerted effort to maintain the authenticity and raw emotional pull characteristic of X’s earlier releases.
In the track “Train food,” fans encounter a storytelling approach laden with foreboding lyrics and evocative imagery. Here, X’s talent for narrative shines, delving into darker, contemplative territory that prompts reflection on life’s unpredictability and the shadow of mortality.
4. “Bad Vibes Forever”: Posthumous Anthems and Collaborations
Released in December 2019, “Bad Vibes Forever” is the final album from XXXTENTACION’s discography. As the fourth and ultimate entry on our ranked list, it’s a mosaic of genres that spans 25 tracks. This expansive record features an array of guest artists and underscores the sheer breadth of X’s collaborative spirit.
Noteworthy for its fusion of elements ranging from hip-hop and punk rock to R&B and reggae, “Bad Vibes Forever” offers listeners glimpses into X’s musical versatility. The album spotlights a collaboration with blink-182 on the energetically melancholic track “IT’S ALL FADING TO BLACK.” Additionally, the contributions from PnB Rock and Trippie Redd on “bad vibes forever,” the title track, bring an emotional depth that attributes to the overall poignant atmosphere of the album.
“Bad Vibes Forever” reached number five on the Billboard 200 chart, signaling a strong fan response to X’s posthumous work. Key tracks such as “Ex Bitch” and “Triumph” are standouts, demonstrating his ability to pivot between vulnerability and triumph effortlessly. Here’s a quick look at the album’s performance:
| Metric | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Billboard 200 Chart Position | No. 5 |
| Number of Tracks | 25 |
| Featured Artists and Collabs | blink-182, PnB Rock, Trippie Redd, and others |
The album also houses the introspective “LIMBO” featuring Killstation, where the somber tones remind listeners of X’s contemplation on life and death. The diversity in production and collaborative efforts makes “Bad Vibes Forever” a cornucopia of sound that, while at times may seem disjointed, captures the essence of an artist exploring his capabilities.
As I delve deeper into XX’s discography, it’s fascinating how each album encapsulates a distinct phase in his career. From the raw, lo-fi sounds to the polished posthumous releases, there’s an undeniable growth and exploration in X’s music. And that’s precisely what makes “Bad Vibes Forever” a complex but essential part of understanding his full artistic narrative.
5. Conclusion: A Legacy of Musical Exploration and Emotional Resonance
Delving into XXXTENTACION’s albums has been a journey through a landscape of raw emotion and genre-defying music. “Bad Vibes Forever” stands as a testament to X’s artistic growth and his eagerness to push boundaries. It’s a poignant end to a discography that’s as complex as the artist himself. Reflecting on X’s work, I’m struck by the depth of his influence and the indelible mark he’s left on the music industry. His legacy is one of fearless exploration and emotional resonance that will continue to inspire for years to come.