Rising Cali rapper Lil Xan, a member of the infamous SoundCloud, mumble rap movement, assembles one of the dumber albums of 2018 with ‘Total Xanarchy.’ 

Polarizing to the nth degree.  That’s the best way to describe Lil Xan, the latest member of the SoundCloud, emo-, mumble rap movement.  The 21-year old Latino Cali rapper has quickly ascended in the rap game, as shocking as that is.  Who needs bars with depth when you can opt for ad-libs, sound effects, profanity, and mostly indecipherable lyrics chocked with overconfidence and meaningless sex?  Ugh, that’s what the majority of what the questionable Total Xanarchy encompasses.

“Who I Am”

On “Who I Am,” Lil Xan informs us that “Xans don’t make me who I am.”  That’s great to know, even though the hook sounds more like a contemporary nursery rhyme than a truly important statement. Following the simple hook, He mumbles through some of the laziest, druggy-sounding rhymes ever.  The problem is that he’s so nonchalant, sounding uninterested and flying on a cloud somewhere.

“Wake Up” is brief, lacking nutritional value – there’s no fiber, no protein, and no vitamins. What does bode well in the favor of Lil Xan is an utterly dumb hook that easily gets stuck in one’s head: “Ay, I wake up, I throw up, I feel like I’m dead.” Somehow, he strings together two verses and a bridge, but the result is platitude after tired platitude.

The best attribute of ✓ “Tick Tock” is the hard-nosed, menacing production work.  Production plays a big role in the SoundCloud movement, something that’s well represented here.  Again, Lil Xan doesn’t say anything notable, unless mimicking a clock counts.  Give him credit for tapping 2 Chainz for the assist – this is type of record he ‘eats up’ with utterly charming stupidity. Guess what “Diamonds” entails? If you guessed Xan’s wrist, you’d be correct. Moving on.

“The Man”

“I fuck dat bih, yeah, I fuck dat bih, yeah.”✓ “The Man” is a shallow banger – emphasis on shallow.  On the hook, Lil Xan is incredibly cocky: “God damn, god damn Lil Xanny the man.” The verses don’t change the trajectory.  On the first verse, he asserts haters hate him because he’s successful.  Among his successes is the fact that he “fucked his dream ho.” Given the fact that she is a ho, “That bih don’t love me, she just want dick, aye.” Ugh! $teven Cannon arrives for the second verse, also focused on sex, including stating, “I need fellatio.”  As clumsy as “The Man” is, not to mention the irresponsible music video, it represents one of the better moments from Total Xanarchy for what it’s worth.

“Saved by the Bell”

After the intense “The Man,” “Saved by the Bell,” set in a major key, features kinder, gentler production work.  Lil Xan deserves some credit for his more melodic sound, not to mention a couple of perceptible bars.  On the melodic, romantic “Moonlight” he’s assisted by British pop singer Charli XCX.  Ultimately, mood and vibe feel right, even if “Moonlight” is flawed like Total Xanarchy as a whole.  

On “Shine Hard,” Lil Xan is joined by the “Black Beatles” themselves, Rae Sremmurd.  “Shine Hard” benefits from the appearance of the southern rap duo, particularly Swae Lee who delivers the hard-flexing hook.  The problem is that the record feels like more of Rae Sremmurd song since the duo dominates the record.  Also, at four minutes, given the relatively short nature of most of the songs, this one drags on too long. “Round Here” is tighter, missing the three-minute mark.  First and foremost, Xan isn’t usurped, handling the hook and two verses on his own. YG guests on the third verse.  The results are merely okay.

“Betrayed”

“Basically” succeeds in exemplifying its title – it’s pretty basic, particularly missing the two-minute mark. “Deceived” only expands the length by a couple more seconds. Moody, Xan raps about respectable topics, such as his ex, being depressed, friends being enemies, and the effects of pills.  Still, he can’t seem to avoid misogyny and fails to capitalize on his attempt at depth. Highlight ✓ “Betrayed” features mellow, easy-going production.  Notably, the catch-line returns from “Who I Am” on the faded, but catchy hook.

“Xans don’t make you (you)
Xans gon’ take you
Xans gon’ fake you (yeah)
And Xans gon’ betray you (what? Yeah).”

Rich the Kid and Yo Gotti join Lil Xan on “Betrayed (Remix)” which concludes Total Xanarchy.

Excellent production, high-flying energy, and a tight flow bodes well in the favor of “Slingshot”.That said, this is yet another record that’s incredibly shallow, built off excess as opposed to deeper subject matter. He references drugs, material things, and seems more concerned about exuding toughness.

“Far” is another melodically-driven record.  The vibe is a huge selling point – moody production work, and an emo, pop-rapping Xan showcasing some sense of flow. The chorus is arguably the most enjoyable part of the record.  Still, the content – the meat – is lacking.  “Color Blind” featuring Diplo gives Total Xanarchy a welcome contrast.   Diplo co-produces, alongside Boaz van de Beatz and Picard brothers.

Final Thoughts 

As aforementioned, Lil Xan is incredibly polarizing.  Total Xanarchy only confirms this.  This is an album that is totally devoid of the least bit of substance.  The rhymes are incredibly simple and based on hip-hop clichés.  At times, he does exhibit a compelling flow, but doesn’t capitalize on it with notable rhymes.  Throw in an overabundance of ad-libs, and the substance dwindles even more.  The SoundCloud rap base will be on board.  Others, not so much.

✓ Gems: “Tick Tock,” “The Man,” “Betrayed” & “Color Blind”  

Lil Xan • Total Xanarchy• Columbia • Release: 4.6.18

Photo Credits: Columbia