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XXXTentacion’s Song “Hope”: A Tribute to the Parkland Shooting Victims
On February 14, 2018, a tragic event shook the nation: a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that claimed the lives of 17 people and injured 17 more. The incident sparked outrage, grief, and activism among students, celebrities, politicians, and ordinary citizens. Among those who were moved by the tragedy was Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, better known as XXXTentacion, a rapper and singer-songwriter from Florida. He released a song titled “Hope” on his SoundCloud page on February 21, 2018, dedicating it to the victims of the Parkland shooting. The song became one of his most popular and influential works, as well as one of his last before he was killed in a similar act of violence four months later.
In this article, we will explore who XXXTentacion was, what his song “Hope” means, and how it impacted the music industry and the society.
Who was XXXTentacion?
A controversial rapper and singer-songwriter
XXXTentacion was born on January 23, 1998, in Plantation, Florida. He had a troubled childhood, growing up in poverty and experiencing abuse, neglect, and violence. He dropped out of high school and spent time in juvenile detention for various crimes. He also faced several legal issues throughout his life, most notably being accused of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend Geneva Ayala, who claimed that he beat her severely while she was pregnant with his child. He denied the allegations and was awaiting trial at the time of his death.
Despite his controversial image and behavior, XXXTentacion gained a loyal fanbase among young people who related to his music that expressed themes of depression, loneliness, alienation, and suicide. He also showed signs of remorse and redemption later in his life, donating money to charities, organizing events for his community, and speaking out against violence and injustice.
A pioneer of SoundCloud rap and emo rap
XXXTentacion started his music career on SoundCloud in 2013, uploading songs that he recorded with a cheap microphone and laptop. He soon became a leading figure in SoundCloud rap, a subgenre of hip-hop that emerged from the online platform and featured lo-fi production, distorted vocals, aggressive lyrics, and emo influences. He collaborated with other SoundCloud rappers such as Ski Mask the Slump God, Lil Pump, Trippie Redd, and Lil Peep.
His breakthrough hit was “Look at Me!”, a two-minute track that showcased his raw energy, abrasive sound, and vulgar content. The song went viral in 2017 after it was falsely rumored that Drake had copied its flow for his own song “KMT”. The song reached number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a platinum-certified single.
XXXTentacion released his debut album 17 in August 2017. The album was a departure from his previous style, featuring more acoustic guitar, piano, and singing than rapping. The album explored topics such as mental health, heartbreak, self-harm, and death. It received mixed reviews from critics but was praised by fans and fellow artists such as Kendrick Lamar. The album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 2 million units in the US.
His second album ? was released in March 2018. The album was more diverse and experimental than his previous work, incorporating elements of rock, pop, R&B, reggae, and electronic music. The album featured guest appearances from Joey Bada$$, Travis Barker, PnB Rock, and Matt Ox. The album spawned four singles: “Sad!”, “Changes”, “Moonlight”, and “Hope”. The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 3 million units in the US.
A victim of gun violence
On June 18, 2018, XXXTentacion was fatally shot by two armed men in a robbery outside a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He was 20 years old. His death sent shockwaves across the music industry and the world, as fans, friends, family, and fellow artists mourned his loss and paid tribute to his legacy. His murder also sparked debates about his controversial past, his artistic influence, and the issue of gun violence in America.
Four suspects were arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery in connection with his death. They are currently awaiting trial.
What is the song “Hope” about?
A dedication to the kids who lost their lives in the Parkland shooting
The song “Hope” was released by XXXTentacion on February 21, 2018, a week after the Parkland shooting. The song is a short and simple acoustic track that lasts for less than two minutes. The song begins with a voice message from XXXTentacion, saying:
“Rest in peace to all the kids that lost their lives in the Parkland shooting. This song is dedicated to you.”
The song then proceeds with XXXTentacion singing over a guitar loop, expressing his condolences, empathy, and support for the victims and their families. He sings:
“Okay, she keep cryin’, she keep cryin’ every single night
Day and night, on my mind, please don’t kill the vibe
All alone, swear to God, I be in my mind
Swear I wanna die, yeah, when you cross my—
Said I wouldn’t die, yeah
No, I’m not alright, yeah
I might start a riot, yeah
I’m so fuckin’ tired, yeah
So what’s up? What you say? Feelin’ good? I’m doin’ great
You’re my friend but I break you down
And tell you that you’re nothing
Yeah you’re something but nobody can save me now”
The song ends with another voice message from XXXTentacion, saying:
“I hope you’re somewhere prayin’, prayin’
I hope your soul is changin’, changin’
I hope you find your peace
Falling on your knees”
A reflection of XXXTentacion’s own struggles and emotions
The song “Hope” is not only a tribute to the Parkland shooting victims but also a reflection of XXXTentacion’s own struggles and emotions. The song reveals his feelings of depression, loneliness, anger, and suicidal thoughts that he had experienced throughout his life. He also expresses his frustration with the society that he felt had failed him and others like him. He sings:
“They tell me it’s all good just wait
You know you’re gonna be there someday
Sippin’ champagne like it’s watered down
Tell me why I feel this way now”
The song also shows his desire for change and redemption. He hopes that his soul is changing and that he can find peace in his afterlife. He also hopes that his music can inspire and help others who are going through similar pain. He sings:
“I hope I make it outta here alive
I hope I make it outta here alive
‘Cause I’m not fine at all”
A message of hope and resilience for the survivors and the rest of us
The song “Hope” is also a message of hope and resilience for the survivors of the Parkland shooting and the rest of us who are facing challenges and hardships in our lives. The song encourages us to keep fighting, to not give up, and to not let the negativity and violence of the world bring us down. He sings:
“Don’t let your body define your soul
Let your soul find your body
Your mind is limitless
You are worth more than you can believe
All you have to do is dream
And all you have to do is want to fulfill that dream
And have the strength to fulfill that dream”
The song also reminds us that we are not alone, that we have each other, and that we can make a difference by spreading love and compassion. He sings:
“I’m with you in your heart
I’m with you in your mind
I’m with you in your soul
I’m with you in your love
I’m with you in your hope”
How did the song impact the music industry and the society?
A chart-topping hit with millions of streams and views
The song “Hope” was a huge success for XXXTentacion, as it became one of his most streamed and viewed songs on various platforms. The song has over 300 million streams on Spotify, over 200 million views on YouTube, and over 100 million plays on SoundCloud. The song also reached number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it his fifth highest-charting single.
The song was also featured on his posthumous album Skins, which was released in December 2018. The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, making XXXTentacion the first artist to have a posthumous number-one album since Notorious B.I.G. in 1997.
A source of inspiration and comfort for many fans and artists
The song “Hope” was a source of inspiration and comfort for many fans and artists who were touched by XXXTentacion’s music and message. Many fans shared their stories of how the song helped them cope with their own struggles and traumas, such as depression, anxiety, bullying, abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Some fans even got tattoos of the word “hope” or the lyrics of the song as a way of honoring XXXTentacion and his legacy.
Many artists also paid tribute to XXXTentacion and his song by covering it or sampling it in their own songs. Some examples are Lil Wayne, who sampled “Hope” on his song “Don’t Cry” from his album Tha Carter V; Juice WRLD, who covered “Hope” on his Instagram live; and Billie Eilish, who collaborated with XXXTentacion on a remix of her song “Lovely” and dedicated it to him.
A catalyst for discussion and action on gun control and mental health issues
The song “Hope” was also a catalyst for discussion and action on gun control and mental health issues, as it raised awareness and sparked debate about these topics among the public and the media. The song inspired many people to join the movement for gun reform and to support the survivors of the Parkland shooting, who organized the March for Our Lives rally in Washington D.C. on March 24, 2018. The rally was one of the largest youth-led protests in US history, with over 800,000 participants demanding stricter gun laws.
The song also encouraged many people to seek help for their mental health problems and to break the stigma around them. The song motivated many people to open up about their feelings and experiences, to reach out to others who are suffering, and to seek professional help if needed. The song also promoted the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a toll-free number that provides confidential support for people in distress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, XXXTentacion’s song “Hope” is a powerful and meaningful song that pays tribute to the victims of the Parkland shooting, reflects his own struggles and emotions, and delivers a message of hope and resilience for the survivors and the rest of us. The song also had a huge impact on the music industry and the society, as it became a chart-topping hit, a source of inspiration and comfort, and a catalyst for discussion and action on gun control and mental health issues. The song is a testament to XXXTentacion’s talent, influence, and legacy as an artist who touched millions of lives with his music.
FAQ
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about XXXTentacion’s song “Hope” and their answers:
Q: When and where was XXXTentacion shot?
A: XXXTentacion was shot on June 18, 2018, outside a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Q: How can I download the song “Hope” by XXXTentacion?
A: You can download the song “Hope” by XXXTentacion from various platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, and Amazon Music. You can also buy the song from iTunes or Google Play.
Q: What are some other songs by XXXTentacion that are similar to “Hope”?
A: Some other songs by XXXTentacion that are similar to “Hope” in terms of style, theme, or message are “Changes”, “Jocelyn Flores”, “Revenge”, “Everybody Dies in Their Nightmares”, and “Save Me”.
Q: How can I support the cause of gun control and mental health awareness?
A: You can support the cause of gun control and mental health awareness by educating yourself and others about these issues, signing petitions, contacting your representatives, joining or donating to organizations that advocate for these causes, attending or organizing events or rallies, and speaking up for yourself and others who are affected by these issues.
Q: How can I get help if I am struggling with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts?
A: You can get help if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts by reaching out to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, teacher, counselor, or therapist. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 for free and confidential support. You are not alone and there is hope.
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