Posthumous project ‘SKINS’ should play well to the XXXTENTACION base, but as an album, it’s ‘undercooked’ as opposed to being ‘well done.’

Posthumous albums are tricky.  On the one hand, it’s great to hear previously unreleased music from an artist who has passed away – at least if it’s ‘quality.’ On the other hand, sometimes it feels totally wrong; more like a means to ‘cash in’ as opposed to truly honor the respective musician’s legacy. In the case of the late XXXTENTACION, his posthumous album, SKINS will appease his die-hard fans, but likely won’t move the needle beyond his base. SKINS consistently maintains a vibe, but as an album, it’s all over the place.

“Guardian angel”

The brief, robotic-voiced “Introduction” kicks off SKINS confusingly, posing questions.  The half-minute clip ends with answer to the final question, regarding escapism – disappearing ‘outside of your skin’: “Well, you’ve found one: a place within my mind.” Okay… “Guardian angel” follows, serving as the first record featuring XXXTENTACION himself.  It also literally features him, sampling “Jocelyn Flores” (go figure). The intro is moody, nonsensical (reversed sample), and again, more vibe than substance.  To XXX’s credit, he goes ‘H.A.M.’ on the sole verse, spitting over the lethargic, moody intro and instrumental.  Still, “Guardian angel” feels more interlude and unfinished than a full-fledged, accomplished and complete song.

If nothing else, “Train food” is spirited, not to mention full-length, or thereabouts. A bizarre record initially, the production (piano chords and sound effects) is unsettling, while XXXTENTACION is distinct, idiosyncratic, and plum odd-sounding in his own right.  The best part of the song is the third verse, where XXX puts some mad energy behind his rhymes, delivering one of the more overt, dynamic verses I’ve heard from him in some time.

“All them fucking dreams ‘bout a diamond chain and a Maybach

Now you’re time finally up

Ask yourself the final question, is you going down or up?”

“whoa (mind in awe)”

“whoa (mind in awe)” also keeps things ‘full-length,’ at least characteristically regarding XXXTENTACION.  Vocally, he sounds pretty sweet on the verse, which keeps things pretty simple – no depth.  Furthermore, the chorus is super simple, anchored by hard drums, and once again, thriving more off of vibe than actual stimulating substance.

Advanced single “BAD!” follows, north of one-and-a-half-minutes in duration.  Again, it’s feels more interlude as opposed to anything more substantial.  It’s a respectably produced joint (John Cunningham and Robert Soukiasyan), though nothing game changing or particularly innovative. Once more, as he sings, XXX has a nice, somewhat haunting tone, though the words don’t always sound clear.  The ‘V’ word, uttered several times throughout this review, applies once more.  “Screaming words with no remorse / Pitchforks pointed at my heart / I was staring at the sky.” “STARING AT THE SKY” is a prime example of XXXTENTACION flaunting his emo-tinged, alternative sound.  There’s little ‘song,’ but the energy is admirable throughout, particularly when the rock cues kick in in all of their glory.

“One Minute”

“One minute, one minute, gone / One minute, and the next one’s mine!” “One Minute” is the sole song on SKINS to feature a guest – the one and only Kanye West.  Crossing three minutes in length, it’s also the longest record.  XXXTENTACION handles the aforementioned, punk-driven hook, screaming to the top of his lungs.  Otherwise, this rap-rock number belongs to Mr. West, who has lots to say over the course of the sole verse.  The rhymes are wild, and one that stands out is sexually-tinged toward the end, not to mention referencing the charges against XXX:

“She wanna give you the cookie, you Famous Amos

She gave you the pussy, but you ain’t pay for the anus

Now your name is tainted, by the claims they paintin’

The defendant is guilty, no one blames the plaintiff…”

“difference (interlude)” finds XXXTENTACION singing, in R&B style, merely accompanied by guitar.  The sound is familiar, and appropriately labeled an interlude.  Both “I don’t let go” and “what are you so afraid of” expand beyond two minutes – that’s something for this project.  “I don’t let go” finds XXX rapping some, which is refreshing considering that was his original claim to fame.  He still sings, which also falls in line with what we’d been hearing from him prior to death. “What are you so afraid of” channels that moody, singer/songwriter side, backed by guitar accompaniment once more.

Final Thoughts 

There are some enjoyable moments on SKINS, including the third verse of “Train food,” and the punk-energy of “STARING AT THE SKY” and “One Minute.”  Still, SKINS is more of an unfinished collection, mostly comprised of interludes and ideas as opposed to a well-crafted, finished album.  Again, it will appease his die-hard fans, but likely won’t move the needle beyond his base.

Gems: “Guardian angel,” “Train food,” “STARING AT THE SKY” & “One Minute”

 XXXTENTACION • SKINS • Bad Vibes Forever / EMPIRE • Release: 12.7.18

Photo Credit: Bad Vibes Forever / EMPIRE