At this point in 2019, XXXTENTACION has as many posthumous albums to his name as he does non-posthumous. It’s the sad reality derived from Jahseh Onfroy’s life being cut radically short due to nonsensical violence; violence that has plagued an alarming amount of Hip Hop’s youth over the past decade. It would be a lie to say that X (who was only 20 years old when he was murdered) didn’t bring some serious negative energy into his own tangled ecosystem — which makes the title of this new posthumous release, Bad Vibes Forever, an eerie listen.
As much as an unearthed classic would delight the die-hards, the closest thing to euphoria new music fans will get are the half-baked songs and snippets from his team’s hard-drive.
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For starters, no songs exceed two-and-a-half minutes and it’s very easy to tell that the songs are incomplete. In fact, it would be more accurate to describe the songs as referential voice notes as they often spiral off into ad-lib mumbles where X would have likely filled in the lyrics at a later date. “Ex Bitch” is a perfect example of this reference track style that just follows a ska-rock rhythm with no lyrical dexterity. That said, there are far more acoustic-rock-ballads on this project than any serious rap cuts; an insight to where X might have gone had he been given more time. If the names had been removed from the title track, it wouldn’t be hard to mistake X, Trippie Redd and PnB Rock for a campfire Jonas Brothers cover band.
However, X does happen to show some prowess for rap writing as well. “School Shooters” with Lil Wayne and “I Changed Her Life” with Rick Ross are both very short yet very satisfying rap songs that could have been certified hits had they been more fleshed out.
What’s most striking about this project is how wildly diverse the sounds, tones and flows are throughout. His past projects (posthumous or otherwise) have of course been filled with rap, rock, scream, acoustics and every other form of modern musical expression but Bad Vibes Forever takes it to the next level. Being that it’s his longest album to date with a whopping 25-song tracklist, there is quite literally a song for every type of music fan. Sure, it isn’t executed to the highest level but the sheer attempt and will to produce a kaleidoscope of genres in one fell swoop is undeniably impressive. “Ecstasy” is for the deep house fans, “Hot Gyal” is for the dancehall fans, “LIMBO” for the hard rock fans, “Daemons” is for the backpack rap fans and “CHASE” is for the dark lord worshiper in all of us.
To call Bad Vibes Forever an album is definitely a stretch and even in the single song streaming era, there isn’t one standout track (aside from aforementioned title track) that’s likely to have legs moving into 2020. But of course, that doesn’t seem like the goal X’s team was aiming for. This 25-song compilation renders itself as a gift to the die-hard X fans that are rightfully craving anything new from the late rapper – even if it’s simply lo-fi humming over baselines for a hot second.
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Inject this into my butt
That so nice ?
Let us not all forgot how X was a woman abuser who literally tortured his ex while she was pregnant. Not saying he deserved death, but this man was no martyr or someone to be looked up to.
The charges were all alleged and they were eventually dropped
Wheres the proof ?
He had a ruff upbringing, we all know that. But if you knew anything about X you would know that he wasn’t the same person that he was while he was growing up. We all make mistakes. It’s what you do after them is what matters. With that said, X was putting out possitive energy and was doing all types of charity donations. Even started his own foundation. So stop hating on the man and let him rest peacefully. LLJ?✌️
You mentioned when he was growing up,…..? He died at 21. Not grown
The charges were dropped AFTER he died.
All that charity was done in between various court appearances. Trying to make himself look like a decent person.
Charity is easy when you rich xD
Better that the shit he put out while alive. Still a dumpster fire!
Shut up libtard
A lot of songs in this album are really fire but some songs are not that fire, especially Hot Gyal (Music Video).. WTF was that?? X will never ever do that if he’s alive.. LLJ
5/5
i loved it, i especially liked attention!, ex bitch, and Bad vibes forever.
4/5
I did i loved ex bitch and bad vibes forever those songs will make you want to play it everywhere you go
K3k
Love anything new from X. He was insanely talented. Rip Jah we love you…LLJ??
Xxx on a kill streak
Royalty
I think that it’s really good it talks about love, depression and all the things he’s been through.
Cory to XXXReality I know he was a women abuser but he has a beautiful son and Jenisis will have to tell her son that his father died don’t forget that and if i were you you should support his fans and fix your damn attitude