While Switfie fans waited for the midnight release of Taylor’s new single “Look What You Made Me Do,” others were excited for the release of the debut album “17″ from XXXTentacion.

As a 2017 XXL Freshman, XXXTentacion had a lot of pressure from fans and label heads to deliver a good debut album. The majority of the hip hop community seemed to be determined to push XXXTentacion out of the headlines but with the release of this project, he has solidified himself as one of the upcoming superstars.

His new album “17″ is very unique. Although it has 11 tracks, the album only lasts for 21 minutes. The short play time is something we’re not used to seeing. Listeners in today’s market are hungry for new music constantly. His decision to make the album half the length of the majority of upcoming artists is very risky.

XXXTentacion is known for being an out of the box type of rapper and this album confirms it. While his peers are rapping about their extravagant lifestyles, he’s rapping about his own personal hardships. Like many of teenagers today, XXXTentacion battles with mental illness.

On the first track of the album titled “The Explanation,”  XXXTentacion tells the listener their entering into his mind. He warns them to be prepared for the painful emotions listening to these tracks will bring. He also says that this album is a tool to help others who are battling with the same mental hardships as him.

The second track titled “Jocelyn Flores” brings on the melancholy tone felt in the hearts of many of his loyal fans. It has been widely known to the public that the majority of his cult-like following has suffered from the side effects of depression. XXXTentacion addresses the tragic story of the death of a beloved friend in the song. Her passing shows how precious life is and the reaction of those left behind. His powerful message when addressing his emotional thoughts hits the hearts of listeners.

One of the more popular songs on the album, track four “Everybody Dies in Their Nightmare” is also one of the darkest. His fear of death and unwillingness to live life makes him fall deeper into his suicidal state of mind. It isn’t clear yet if he will embrace life or hope for death around the corner to escape. All these troubling thoughts brought on by depression.

Track nine “Carry On” has a soothing instrumentation that plays as XXXTentacion raps about fighting to make it to the next day. He constantly reminds the listener that you have to live with the bad emotions as well as the good. He preaches to listeners to find some comfort in life, even when there’s overwhelming pain.

The song “Orlando” takes a total different approach than most on the album. Instead of him glorifying death, he seems to be afraid of it. The chilling piano chords bring in more focus to the bizarre words given to the listener. The lyrics of fighting the urge to die brings hope to the listener. The song is his final push to remind listeners that life is never worth ending.

This isn’t an album for everybody but it’s still a beautiful project. XXXTentacion delivers a message of finding beauty in the darkness and love in pain, which can save the lives of many. Although the album cost is $10, it’s much more valuable. Thousands of teenagers will use this music to cope with their daily problems. If you’re looking for hope, this album can help you.