On March 2, 2018 as one of his singles from his second album?, XXXTentacion unveiled “Sad!” from his sophomore release. Co-written and produced with John Cunningham, the rapper put this track out as one of its premieres.
Lyrically, the song discusses an uncertain romantic relationship that he fears might end and threats suicide should she leave him. Many speculate that this song may have been autobiographical in nature.
1. “Sad!”
“Sad!” by XXXTentacion was originally released as one of his second studio album singles titled? in March 2018. After his untimely death in June 2018, this single rose to number one on Billboard Hot 100 chart; becoming first rapper posthumously to reach that height since Notorious B.I.G’s 1997 chart-topper “Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems”.
The video for “Dem Babies” is somewhat disturbing and stands out among other music videos as a conceptualization of XXXTentacion’s internal struggle, specifically with regards to his relationships with women. He openly admits giving everything to an ex and yet she broke him apart, fearing another relationship might end just like Geneva Ayala.
Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy was an artist of many talents, incorporating elements of grunge, emo, rap-rock and indie music into his work at a time when most MCs focused on one genre or the other. That variety can be seen here with this more traditional hip-hop track featuring a trap synth hook.
This song also reached number one on both Streaming Songs and Digital Song Sales charts simultaneously – becoming the first time an artist had managed this feat at once, and reaching its highest ever peak ever seen from a streaming-only title. This achievement stands as testament to an exceptional talent who left an indelible mark upon so many people through music.
2. “Kill Me”
“Kill Me” by XXXTentacion is one of his most emotive songs, telling the tale of a nurse struggling to keep alive a paralyzed patient until January 13th. Additionally, its video provides a visual feast featuring numerous subtitled messages throughout.
Unfortunately, this song was released mere weeks prior to his death; yet still managed to top the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and become his biggest hit to date and perhaps his most pivotal release during his short life.
XXXTentacion’s lyrics of “Kill Myself If She Leaves Again” focus on his feelings following a breakup, with him vowing to end his own life if she ever left him again. Although no confirmation was ever given regarding this song being autobiographical, it is evident that he suffered from mental illness.
Another key feature of the song’s production is its production. The beat is very ambient and soft, featuring lo-fi autotuned vocals to add unique soundscape. At the end of the track however, heavily clipping trap drums emerge bringing about an exciting climax to complete its performance.
The music video for “You and I” by XXXTentacion is one of the most unsettling and mind-boggling to come out in recent memory, offering an unforgettable viewing experience that is powerfully directed while also leaving viewers feeling an array of emotions from anger to sadness. It will leave viewers pondering life after death without him; no doubt an unforgettable memory!
3. “Kill You”
XXXTentacion was an extremely gifted rapper with some truly innovative music videos to accompany his songs. One of his most acclaimed tracks was “SAD!” featuring subtitled messages to represent its sad content – depicting heartbroken teenagers suffering insecurity and grief.
The song, released as a single from his second album?, remains one of XXXTentacion’s most popular tracks to date. Beginning with an arrangement featuring beatless vocals before lo-fi autotuned vocals take over to create an emotionally charged vibe before heavily clipping trap drums step in with heavy claps to completely change its mood and create something truly memorable and emotive – this track truly stands out. It remains one of his most moving recordings.
4. “Baby”
The song conveys XXXTentacion’s feelings for Geneva Ayala, whom he admits broke his heart, but who fears another relationship will end similarly. If his new girlfriend leaves him again – something which happened with Jocelyn Flores leaving an impactful legacy – then suicide may well become his ultimate solution. Florida native has been open about his mental health struggles, having previously discussed depression. His best friend died tragically leaving an impactful legacy.
XXXTentacion co-wrote and produced this song alongside John Cunningham as a single from his second studio album? released in March 2018. It became his most successful hit and first top 10 single in the United States; posthumously released postmortem as its music video on June 28, 2018, following his passing away.
Visuals in XXXTentacion’s music frequently explored these types of concepts; here they appear at their funeral and violently fighting with their dead body – these images could also be read differently depending on one’s perspective. Subtitles and dialogue appear and disappear during this clip that could be read either way by viewers.
5. “Sad”
“Sad” is an emotional ballad about heartbreak. The lyrics express XXXTentacion’s suffering over an old relationship that ended, with him lamenting their departure while also fearing she may leave him, with threats of suicide if that should ever occur. The track is autobiographical and remains one of his most popular tracks to date.
XXXTentacion co-wrote and performed “Break Free,” released as part of his second studio album? on March 2, 2018. Produced by John Cunningham, it became X’s highest charting single in the US; moreover, over 2 billion streams on Spotify make this song one of XXXTentacion’s most streamed songs to date.
“Sad” features a straightforward yet melodic verse and chorus from XXXTentacion that’s delivered with strong vocals that sound intimate. Instrumentation for “Sad” consists of just piano, drums, and bass: drums provide a hypnotic tempo while the keyboard adds depth through low-pitched arpeggio and melodic piano chord progression.
JMP directed and produced the music video for “Sad,” shot prior to XXXTentacion’s death. It features two versions of X, good and bad; with evil represented by his demon gekyume possessing him and having control of him; and good as more laidback and gentle character trying to convince evil one it’s wrong to harm others while hurting himself this way; culminating in an explosive fight scene between these characters at its end.