19-year old up-and-coming rapper XXXTentacion drops one of the filthiest singles of 2017 with “Look at Me!”

XXXTentacion is something else – there’s really no other way to put it.  The 19-year old rapper has made quite a splash with his music, particularly explicit single “Look at Me!” Popular YouTubers The Fine Brothers have a parent reaction video to his music. The parents featured in the video weren’t exactly thrilled, expectedly. As of publication time, the two-and-a-half-minute single has been picking up steam on the Billboard Hot 100.  What has driven “Look at Me!” up the charts?

The best feature of “Look at Me!” Is the production work.  The beat is ill to quote Lil Wayne, possessing the dark, malicious quality that makes rap awesome. Adding to the appeal is the raw nature of the production.  Where some urban music is characterized by its finesse, “Look at Me!” is harsh and rather unrefined.  Its imperfect sound actually amplifies its appeal. XXXTentacion matches these sensibilities with his lyrics.  The problem is the lyrics, however.

“F*ck on me, look at me, ay.”

Frankly, the lyrical content is appalling, point blank.  Rap isn’t a wholesome genre of music but XXXTentacion seems to make its rough-n-tumble nature even rougher.  Arguably, what makes things so sickening are how misogynistic the lyrics are, particularly considering his age. After analyzing the lyrics, one has to ask, why would she want to look at him – he doesn’t even respect her.  The second verse is arguably the most offensive:

“I took a white b*tch to Starbucks / That little b*tch got her throat f*cked / I like to rock out like I’m misfit / My emo b*tch like her wrist slit / Curly hair b*tch like I’m Corbin / Got like three b*tches, I’m Mormon / Skeet on your main b*tch’s forehead / Don’t want your pussy, just want head.”

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, “Look at Me!” Is a tale of two parts.  The production is the best aspect, even if it lacks the polish of a number of other rap songs.  The lyrics fit that production work, but even the most unapologetic soul has to take issue with the message that XXXTentacion is sending.  Should he be taken with a grain of salt, like some other rappers are? You, the listener, be the judge.

XXXTENTACION • Look at Me – single • Bad Vibes Forever / EMPIRE • Release: 2.20.17

Photo Credit: Bad Vibes Forever / EMPIRE