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Wednesday, July 23, 2025

XXXTentacion "?" strikes at No. 1 on charts

XXXTentacion ‘?’ Strikes at No. 1 on Charts

Courtesy of XXL Magazine

On his latest sophomore album, “?,” Florida rapper XXXTentacion fixates on themes familiar to him, such as trauma, pain and controversy.

Released March 16 and debuting at No. 1 after two weeks, "?," is taking the music scene by storm. "?" stands alone among the likes of Migos' "Culture II," "Black Panther: The Album," and even Metallica's "Hardwired... to Self-Destruct." The 18-track soliloquy features the likes of Travis Barker, Joey Bada$$ and PnB Rock to name a few. However, unlike the artists’ just referenced, XXXTentacion is in a category of his own.

The SoundCloud-based rapper could be considered forth coming, as his past and current projects explicitly speak on failed relationships, mental health and love wrapped in toxicity, which seems to resonate well with its targeted audience of young adults.

So far, the album has sold a whopping 20,000 copies and 159 million times  streamed during the first week, reported by Nielsen Music Sales Measurement. However, this type of recognition is nothing new for the emo hip hop rapper.

In the midst of May 2017, XXXTentacion released his mini production, Revenge, which featured his most notable song, “Look At Me!” This breakthrough and mildly vulgar hit propelled his career once it gained over 110 million views on SoundCloud.

Despite the publicity, whether good or bad, it surely has altered people’s perception on the 20-year old rapper.

Currently awaiting trial for an alleged assault on his then girlfriend, in which he wholeheartedly denies, XXXTentacion does not have the best reputation. “Stop giving your money to rappers who openly beat, rape, manipulate, and abuse women,” stated Aaron Williams of Uproxx.

In other words, this isn’t the rapper’s first encounter with these kinds of allegations and he isn’t the only one.

R. Kelly to rapper 6ix9ine, who’ve both been accused of sexual misconduct with a child, have unfortunately caused a domino effect within the music industry, while also maintaining their notoriety. With this rampant acceptance toward artists with unsettling backgrounds, the question arises of what’s valued more, content or context.

Demographically, XXXTentacion may not look the most appealing but his music seems to speak otherwise. Freshman Noelle Baffour agreed as she stated, “This album ( ‘?’) is more out there, I feel like it’s more relatable.” While being able to connect on a local level, he’s been able to do so for 17 victims. The Florida native dedicated his 16th track, “Hope”, to the victims of last month’s mass school shooting, Parkland, FL.

Furthermore, the album proposes the uncertainty of whether XXXTentacion is capable of overcoming his disruptive image with lyrical substance, meanwhile keeping up with artists within his genre and outside of it. Whether or not he can remains to be seen.

Attaining the similar success as 6ix9ine and Kodak Black, who’ve been accused of the mistreatment of women, XXXTentacion’s continuous rise to popularity is unfortunately a recurring trend.

Courtesy of XXL Magazine

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