1. Introduction
“Look at me” is a phrase heard numerous times in daily life. It is a plea for attention, an assertion of identity, confidence, and a desire to be recognized. This phrase has found its way into music culture as well, with rapper XXXTentacion’s song “look at me” being a viral hit in 2017. The track included lyrics that spewed controversial statements and made waves in the music industry. This article focuses on the song and examines it in a broader cultural context.
2. The Controversy
The song “look at me” by XXXTentacion included lyrics that some found offensive and inappropriate. The rapper’s lyrics contained explicit content, including derogatory words toward women and racially charged statements. The song triggered outrage and received backlash from many people, including other musicians. Despite the controversy, the track rose to popularity on social media platforms and gained millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Critics argued that it should have been taken down for its offensive content, while supporters defended it as an expression of artistic freedom and as critique of society.
3. The Message
The lyrics of “look at me” touch on themes like social injustice, police brutality, and racism. XXXTentacion uses the song to draw attention to these issues and speak out against them in his own way. The excessive language he uses to do so, however, brushes the authenticity of his message under the carpet. It is also worth noting that the rapper’s personal life was plagued with legal and ethical controversies, plicating the sincerity of his message to some audiences.
4. The Impact
The song’s success marked a cultural shift in the rap scene, with more artists using their platforms to address political and social issues in their music. The soundtrack served as a critique of societal norms and challenged the status quo. However, it simultaneously perpetuated the normalization of derogatory slurs and misogyny in the music industry.
5. The Role of Social Media
Social media played an integral role in the song’s viral success. XXXTentacion’s video for “look at me” became an inter sensation, paving the way for other viral music trends such as the In My Feelings Challenge. Social media provided a platform for the song, allowing it to gain popularity and attention rapidly. Despite this, it also brought attention to the rapper’s criminal past, and many people questioned how the industry and the media promoted someone with such a troubled reputation.
6. Conclusion
In spite of the controversy, “look at me” has bee a landmark in contemporary culture. It sparked lasting discussions about social justice, racial inequality, and artistic expression. The song raised questions about morality in the music industry and indicated that it may not adhere to boundaries and regulations as strictly as public figures in other domains. The reception of this song highlights broader questions regarding the confusion between freedom of speech and hate speech, artistic expression and toxic masculinity, and cultural tastes and social critique.
7. References
– Markman R. (2017) XXXTentacion’s ‘Look at Me!’ Finds A Second Peak Thanks To Viral Memes. MTV News.
– Luttrell M. (2017) ‘Look at Me!’ Viral Video Gives Rapper XXXTentacion Second Chance. RCR Wireless News.
– Reiff C. (2017) XXXTentacion: The Problem With Pronouncing That Name. Forbes.
– Martin L. (2018) How Hip-Hop Turned On XXXTentacion But Considers Tupac Shakur A Legend. The Undefeated.