Before his untimely passing last week, Jahseh Onfroy (XXXTentacion), wrote and creative directed a music video for “SAD!” This features him attending his own funeral where he can be seen fighting off former versions of himself.
Sad bangers have proven their worth for decades: transcending binary emotions to unlock multilayered depth.
1. Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Boy Problems”
Carly Rae Jepsen’s music video for “Boy Problems” will bring out all the feels! It captures the emotional rollercoaster that every woman experiences when entering into an uncertain romantic relationship and serves as a powerful reminder that our friends always have our backs no matter what.
Canadian singer Ariana Grande wrote one of pop’s catchiest earworms in 2012 with “Call Me Maybe.” Following its global success, Kiss, her debut album released later that September, showcased the singer’s bright sensibilities and melodic sounds. 2022 saw even greater growth when reflective genre-hopper The Loneliest Time and its danceable partner The Loveliest Time were released – yet the songs remain accessible and irresistible!
Carly has created an infectiously joyful vibe in her latest video directed by Petra Collins that made its premiere Thursday and can be found streaming online here. The stunning visuals match its 80s-influenced sound perfectly; featuring a group of girls annoyed at Carly’s love woes who could easily become besties; these diverse ladies represent women from various walks of life and ethnicities – something truly refreshing to witness.
These friends dance and laugh together, showing that no matter the situation you find yourself in, your friends will always have your back – something which we all can learn from.
She grew up listening to Annie, The Wiz and Grease soundtracks as an avid musical-theatre fan and dreamt of becoming an actress – until her high school drama teacher encouraged her to audition for Canadian Idol 5th Season 2007. Although she came in third place that year, this audition launched her into a highly successful career that saw her appear as a recurring character on Fuller House and contribute songs for Frozen by Disney – not caring what other people thought; we applaud that freedom. Even now as an established star, we still support that freedom; recently she revealed she doesn’t experience as much celebrity due to social media – something we applaud!
2. James Blake and SZA’s “Coming Back”
James Blake and SZA explore heartbreak through this melancholic narrative, making you feel every painful step along their journey together. Their soulful vocal performances blend perfectly with the track’s relaxed production for an emotionally captivating experience you won’t want to miss!
James Blake is best known for his signature sound, fusing R&B vocals with deep bass and minimal rhythmic elements of dubstep music. This style has seen collaborations with artists like Bon Iver, Kendrick Lamar, Vince Staples, Rosalia and JID as well as earning numerous prestigious awards and honors like Brit Awards and Grammys over time.
British musician Jack Garratt was raised in a musical family and received classical piano training as early as possible. Beginning his electronic music production in the mid 2000s, taking inspiration from early U.K. dubstep artists like Burial, Distance and Skream as sources for inspiration, his debut album Air & Lack Thereof in 2009 introduced audiences worldwide to his distinctive blend of textural R&B influences with dubstep’s mesmeric melodies.
Blake’s career flourished throughout the 2010s, garnering high chart placements and critical praise with albums such as The Colour In Anything, Overgrown and 2016’s The Blake Project. In 2018 he made his feature film directorial debut with drama The Dark Tower; additionally contributing songs to Black Panther and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtracks. 2020 brought two EP releases titled Before and Covers before returning to an earlier, dubstep-influenced sound on 2023’s Playing Robots Into Heaven.
Blake has also taken part in numerous side projects throughout his career, such as producing Billie Eilish’s sophomore album Happier Than Ever and co-writing and producing “King’s Dead” from Black Panther’s soundtrack. Additionally, on his new album is “Say What You Will”, featuring Finneas. The music video for this track depicts them both engaging in an intimate encounter that may or may not be what it seems at first glance.
4. XXXTentacion’s “Sad!”
Since his shooting and death on June 18 in South Florida, Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy (also known as Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy) fans have struggled to comprehend and find closure over what transpired with him and his rising star status. While his family still grieves his tragic passing he leaves an impressive body of work behind; including an impactful music video featuring messages on love, mental health and more that speaks volumes of its own about mental wellbeing.
JMP directed this visual that depicts XXXTentacion at a funeral and his battle with his past self. While there may be obvious symbolism at play here, there’s also plenty of meaningful imagery present; for instance framed portraits of past versions of him hang next to his casket while his lyrics detail their complicated relationship with an ex-partner.
The song captures XXXTentacion’s mental struggles while remaining positive and encouraging at the same time. Instead of engaging in aggressive rapping or using vulgar language like on previous releases, instead he sings of his broken heart and how its impact has caused emotional strain in his life.
Though delivered more subduedly, XXXTentacion’s emotions still come through loud and clear on this track. Fans should view this music video to experience what might be one of his finest posthumous releases from his late rapper.
Though XXXTentacion was known for his distinctive rhythm and sound, his instrumentation on SKINS feels familiar. From “Guardian Angel”, piano chords on “Train Food”, percussion on “Whoa (Mind In Awe), and strings on “Staring at the Sky”, to his production which wasn’t as polished on 17 (2017); nevertheless it will give fans some much-needed closure following his sudden death; but I wish his producer took more risks and explored different styles on it.