On Friday, Xxxtentacion delivered his official debut album 17, and the consensus was surprisingly (and somewhat reluctantly) positive. While many were quick to label the controversial Floridian as an abrasive Soundcloud rapper, the delicate guitar arrangements and vulnerable lyricism on 17 really added a new perspective to the discourse. While many of the album's themes might be targeted toward a niche market, a co-sign from Kendrick Lamar can go a long way; after listening to the album five times, K. Dot claimed implored fans to “listen to this album if you feel anything. raw thoughts.”
Say what you will about X's music, but Kenny hit the nail on the head - raw thoughts are all over 17, as X wears his heart on his sleeve throughout the album's brief runtime. In fact, the young rapper even prefaces the album with an "explanation," promising "pain and thoughts put into words," after telling listeners not to listen "if [they] are not willing to accept my emotion and hear my words fully."
In theory, 17 has elements of an emo album, in the sense that it embraces and explores concepts of loneliness, depression, isolation, and anxiety. However, X never romanticizes said concepts in the way certain emo artists used to; there are no slit wrists or murder-suicides to be found, despite an uncomfortable promotional video that admittedly dilutes the album's noble message. Despite the visceral response invoked by X's disturbing video, the album exists outside of that, and X's lyricism and musicality shine throughout the project. It's a far cry from the "can't keep my dick in my pants" X, who feels like an entirely different artist on this album.
While many may clown on the dude for tapping into his "emotional" side, the authenticity with which he writes helps brighten the album's most promising moments. So let's get right to it - here are fifteen of 17's most emotional lyrics.
1. Jocelyn Flores
Picture this, in bed, get a phone call
Girl that you fucked with killed herself
That was this summer and nobody helped
And ever since then, man, I hate myself
2. Jocelyn Flores
Wanna fuckin' end it, pessimistic
All wanna see me with no pot to piss in
But n*ggas been excited 'bout the grave I'm diggin'
Havin' conversations 'bout my haste decisions
3. Depression & Obsession
Make out hill, where we met
We let our lips do all the talkin' and now I'm hooked and...
Depression and obsession don't mix well
4. Everybody Dies in Their Nightmares
Change hoes like clothes, I can't get attached
'Cause these hoes fire starters like lit matches
5. Everybody Dies in Their Nightmares
I've been feeling really lost, ducking all attachments
I don't really go outside 'cause I hate traffic
6. Revenge
If I could act on my revenge, then, oh, would I?
7. Revenge
Some kill, some steal, some break your heart
And you thought that I would let it go and let you walk
Well, broken hearts, break bones, so break up fast
And I don't wanna let it go, so in my grave I'll rot
8. Save Me
Hello, from the dark side in
Does anybody here wanna be my friend? (my friend)
9. Save Me
Tell me when the fuck is it all gon’ end?
Voices in my head
Telling me I'm gonna end up dead
10. Dead Inside
Where was I?
When he was feeling on you with his hands, at night?
Seen the vivid pictures in my head, at night
It left me in tears
11. Fuck Love
I'm nauseous, I'm dyin'
She ripped my heart right out
Can't find her, someone to—
My eyes are all cried out
12. Carry On
Trapped in a concept, falsely accused
Was used, and misled
Bitch, I'm hoping you fucking rest in peace
13. Carry On
Uh, cold shoulder, heartbroken, misspoken
I'm cut open, her fingers in all my stab wounds
And if she could, she'd probably dance on my grave
Inside my head, I see your face
I fucking hate that I love you still
14. Orlando
I'm the only one stressed
I'm the only one tired of having fake friends
Put the noose on my neck
And the hole in my back, again
I've been waiting on death with a smile on my face
15. Ayala
Made a list of my regrets
And you were first, love, oh
Oh, it hurts, I can't forget