Let’s take a moment to remember the late, great XXXTENTACION. His untimely passing in June 2018 left a huge hole in the music industry, and we’re still feeling the effects today. But although he’s no longer with us, his impact on the rap world lives on.
XXXTENTACION was a versatile artist who could convey a range of emotions through his music. He was especially good at creating emotional and heartfelt rap, which resonated with fans of all ages. It’s no wonder that his legacy is now a part of Hip-Hop history, and nothing can take that away from him.
So, let’s take a look at some of his best songs. This is our chance to keep him alive through his art. We’ll start with one of his most popular tracks, and then move on to a few more of his amazing creations. Here we go!
10. Revenge
If you’re a fan of XXXTENTACION’s music, you might know him for his rap tracks, but he was also a talented artist who created beautiful songs. “Revenge” is a perfect example of his versatility, and it’s one of my favorites.
Originally released in 2017 on his mixtape with the same name, “Revenge” is more of an acoustic song than a rap tune. There’s no rapping in it, just smooth and soothing harmonies and melodies that will make you drift away. It’s only two minutes long, but it’s enough to leave an impression on you.
What I love most about this song is the feeling it gives you. XXXTENTACION’s singing is impressive, but it’s the emotion he conveys that makes it so special. Listening to it always puts me in a mood for some sad yet peaceful relaxation.
So if you’re in the mood for some calming music, give “Revenge” a listen.
9. The Remedy for a Broken Heart (Why Am I So In Love)
You know those songs that just hit you right in the feels? Well, XXXTENTACION’s “The Remedy For a Broken Heart” is definitely one of them. It’s a song that’s both heart-wrenching and beautiful, and it’s no wonder why it’s one of his most popular tracks with over 350 million views on YouTube.
The song is about his ex-girlfriend, Geneva Ayala, and it’s clear that X poured his heart and soul into the lyrics. The somber instrumental combined with his heartfelt words make for a powerful and emotional listening experience. You can’t help but feel the pain and sorrow he’s going through.
But even through the sadness, there’s something so inspiring about X’s music. His quick-paced flows are smooth and precise, and “The Remedy For a Broken Heart” is a perfect example of that. It’s a song that showcases X’s talent and what he was all about.
8. RIOT
If you’re a fan of XXXTENTACION, you probably know him for his sad and slow-tempo tracks. But have you heard his hyper joints, like “RIOT”? This track has a 90s New York vibe that shows off his versatility as an artist.
Did you know that “RIOT” was first released on SoundCloud in 2015? It’s got an up-tempo boom-bap sound that appeals to older Hip-Hop heads, as well as younger fans. XXXTENTACION effortlessly switches between older and modern Hip-Hop genres, which is just amazing.
What sets “RIOT” apart are the precise bars and multi-faceted flows that take the track to the next level. The lyrics are politically charged and even feature a portion of a speech from former Klu Klux Klan leader, Jeff Berry. It’s a shame that the political undertones and aggressive rhyme styles are still relevant today, but that’s what makes “RIOT” such an important and powerful track.
In fact, “RIOT” was even re-released during the George Floyd protests/riots, showing just how impactful and timeless this song really is.
7. Carry On
If you’re a fan of XXXTENTACION, you probably already know about “Carry On.” This track is a little different from what you might expect from a rapper, but that’s part of what makes it so special. It’s a sad and introspective song with an acoustic feel that really speaks to the listener.
“Carry On” is one of the standout tracks from XXXTENTACION’s successful 17 album. It’s a short song, but it’s packed with meaning. The lyrics are filled with pain and wisdom, and they really make you think. But even though the song is heavy, it’s also really beautiful. The slow, Lo-Fi beat and dreamy vibes make it a perfect track to chill out to.
One thing I love about “Carry On” is how XXXTENTACION delivers the lyrics. He takes his time and lets each line sink in, almost like he’s reading a deep and meaningful poem. And the way he blends harmonies and atmospheric sounds really adds to the overall vibe of the song.
Overall, “Carry On” is one of the most beloved XXXTENTACION songs for a reason. It’s a powerful and emotional track that really resonates with listeners.
6. I Don’t Wanna Do This Anymore
“I Don’t Wanna Do This Anymore” was released posthumously on a compilation album called Look At Me: The Album. It came out in June 2023, just in time to coincide with the anniversary of his death. Along with the album, a documentary with the same name was also released to celebrate his life.
The song itself is really chill and laid-back, with a slow tempo and lots of swirling synths. The vocal pads are all over the place, giving the song a dreamy, almost ethereal quality. The lyrics are reflective and thoughtful, with XXXTENTACION’s signature smooth rhyme pattern.
Overall, it’s a really easy track to listen to. But because it was released after his death, it does have a certain sadness to it. However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, some might argue that “I Don’t Wanna Do This Anymore” is one of the best songs by XXXTENTACION.
5. Everybody Dies in Their Nightmares
It’s a deep and musical track that really captures his headspace at the time. The guitar riff and soft beat provide the perfect backdrop for his fast-paced but clear flows and lyrics.
One thing that stands out about XXX’s music is how authentic he was. Not many rappers are as transparent as he was, which made his music refreshing to listen to. While most rappers find inspiration in the material world, he looked within himself and was introspective. That’s some next-level artistry right there!
Overall, if you’re into deep and introspective rap, you gotta check out “Everybody Dies in Their Nightmares” from XXX’s 17 album
4. King Of The Dead
“King Of The Dead” was released posthumously. The instrumental has a spooky feel to it, with plenty of distortion in both the vocals and the music. Despite the eerie vibes, it’s a unique track that blends well with the Trap-style genre.
Compared to his earlier music, “King Of The Dead” is a slower-paced song with a more deliberate flow. The distorted bassline, high-frequency synths, and hard drums add to the overall intensity of the track. It’s definitely a challenging listen, but that’s what makes it so good.
If you’re new to XXXTENTACION’s more recent work, this is a great starting point.
3. Hope
“Hope” is a track that came out back in 2018 from his second studio album, “?”, and it’s still a fan favorite to this day.
The dreamy instrumental of this track is perfect for XXX’s controlled vocal delivery, and it’s sure to give you all the feels. I mean, I’ll admit it, the somber sound of this track has made me tear up a time or two. But that’s just a testament to XXX’s artistic genius.
Now, let’s be real here. The newer tracks from XXX might make you feel a little sadder than the older ones, but that’s just how the music industry goes. The younger fans seem to love “Hope” more than the older fans, but that’s okay. At the end of the day, it’s all about relating to the lyrics, and the reflective words on this track just capture that vibe perfectly.
XXX was never afraid to show his emotions and talk about what was going on in his life, and that’s why so many younger fans loved him. “Hope” is just one example of the amazing music he left behind, and it’s sure to be a fan favorite for years to come.
2. Hate Will Never Win
The title of the song may seem ironic given how he passed away, but let’s focus on the positive message it carries.
What I love about this 2018 track is its old-school vibe that takes me back to the ’90s and early 2000s. The piano sample and multi-syllabic rhyme schemes showcase XXXTENTACION’s lyrical talent and dexterity. It’s timeless and stands out as one of his best songs, in my humble opinion.
In a time where negative messages seem to dominate the rap game, “Hate Will Never Win” is a breath of fresh air with its positive message. It’s clear from the title what the song is about, and XXXTENTACION delivers it with raw and rugged audio that captures the essence of the message.
The production of the song is simple, which adds to its charm. It’s a reminder that overproducing a track isn’t always necessary. Sometimes, less is more. Overall, I think there’s a lot to learn from this track, and I highly recommend giving it a listen.
1. Numb
This song is still one that’s close to my heart (and to many of his fans too, I’m sure). One of the things I love about it is how it blends different genres together to create something fresh and unique.
You’ve got elements of pop, acoustic, rap, and trap all mixed in there, and the result is unlike anything I’ve heard before. “Numb” was one of the newer tracks from his 2018 album, which was moody and melancholic in equal measure.
XXXTENTACION was always known for his artistry, and “Numb” is no exception. It may not be a straightforward rap song, but there’s something really exciting and experimental about it. The distorted and reverb guitar riff is especially standout, and it helps drive the instrumental forward.
What really sets “Numb” apart, though, is how it manages to blend so many different melodies and organic instruments together. It’s a real melting pot of sounds, and it all comes together in a way that feels just right. Yes, the lyrics and vocal delivery are somber, but that’s par for the course with much of the album.
It was definitely a bold move away from his rap roots, but in my eyes, it paid off. “Numb” is easily one of the top 10 XXXTENTACION songs, and it’s a must-listen for anyone who’s a fan of his music.
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