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The Magic of K-pop: Insights from "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory"

June 30, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of pop music, K-pop has emerged as a global powerhouse, captivating audiences with its unique sound and stunning visuals. John Seabrook’s book, "Song Machine: Inside the...

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Blackpink’s Lisa Dominates iTunes with New Single ‘Rockstar’

June 30, 2024

Music enthusiasts and aspiring creators, take note! Blackpink’s Lisa is making waves in the U.S. with her latest single, "Rockstar." Released late on Thursday, June 27, the song quickly shot up the...

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Unlocking the Secrets of Pop Hits: Insights from "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory"

June 30, 2024

Have you ever wondered what makes a pop song stick in your head, or how some artists consistently produce hit after hit? John Seabrook's "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory" pulls back the...

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TWICE’s Nayeon on Solo Debut, Songwriting, and Spoilers: Insights for Aspiring Music Creators

June 27, 2024

As the eldest member of the global K-pop group TWICE, Im Nayeon embodies big sister energy: she's protective, loving, and playful. Her playful nature sometimes leads to spoilers, much to the...

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Celebrating Joyful Rebellion: Lake Street Dive's "Good Together"

June 24, 2024

In a world often divided by strife and discord, Lake Street Dive emerges with their eighth studio album, "Good Together," a jubilant testament to the power of joy and unity in music. Scheduled for...

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Kygo's Summer Serenade

June 24, 2024

Kygo, the maestro of summer vibes, returns with his self-titled album just in time to soundtrack your sun-soaked days. Released to coincide with the summer solstice, this album reaffirms Kygo's...

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Luna Shadows' 'bathwater' Album Delivers a Deep Dive into Self-Discovery and Reflection"

June 24, 2024

Luna Shadows has finally unveiled her long-awaited LP, "bathwater," a deeply personal journey through emotion and memory. Released independently on June 21st, this album marks a significant...

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Remi Wolf Unveils "Motorcycle" Featuring Stellar Collaborations

June 23, 2024

Remi Wolf, known for her vibrant and eclectic musical style, has released a new single titled "Motorcycle," featuring the talents of Kenny Beats, Leon Michels, and The Dap-Kings. Released on...

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Lava La Rue Announces Debut Album ‘STARFACE’

June 23, 2024

Lava La Rue, former Dork cover star and acclaimed London-based artist, has announced the release of their debut album, STARFACE, set to drop on June 21st, 2024, via Dirty Hit. This announcement is...

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Welcome to 'The Sweater Club' – Jelani Aryeh’s Sophomore Triumph

June 23, 2024

Jelani Aryeh’s highly anticipated album, The Sweater Club, dropped today, delivering exactly what fans have been eagerly awaiting. At 24, the San Diego native has already taken the indie-pop world...

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Sony Music to acquire Queen catalogue for £1 billion

June 23, 2024

Sony Music's recent announcement to acquire the majority of Queen's music catalogue, along with various other rights, signifies a monumental deal valued at approximately £1 billion...

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Rema Kicks Off 2024 with Explosive New Track “Benin Boys” Featuring Shallipopi

June 23, 2024

Nigerian superstar Rema has made an electrifying return with his new track, "Benin Boys," marking his first musical release of 2024. This collaboration with Shallipopi is a significant moment for...

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Remembering XXXTentacion: A Legacy in Music

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Photo Source: Rolling Stone

The music industry has seen its fair share of influential figures throughout its history, and XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, was undoubtedly one of the most polarizing artists of his generation. Rising to fame in the late 2010s, XXXTentacion left an undeniable mark on the music scene with his genre-blurring sound and eventful personal life.

XXXTentacion's music was a mix of various styles, blending genres such as hip-hop, R&B, rock, and even emo. His ability to traverse musical boundaries led to a massive and dedicated following, who resonated with the raw emotions and vulnerability in his lyrics. Songs like "Sad!" and "Jocelyn Flores" showcased his emotional side, expressing struggles with depression and mental health. 

However, XXXTentacion's career was filled with controversy. Accusations of domestic violence and assault would cast a shadow over his musical success.  While he faced legal consequences and vehemently denied some of these allegations, his reputation was forever tarnished in the eyes of many. His undeniable musical talent mixed with his troubled personal life made him a lightning rod for discussions on accountability and redemption.

Tragically, XXXTentacion's life was cut short on June 18, 2018, when he was fatally shot during a robbery. His untimely death at the age of 20 sent shockwaves throughout the music world and his fanbase. The loss of such a young and influential artist prompted a reevaluation of his legacy.

After his death, XXXTentacion's music experienced a surge in popularity. His album "?" topped the charts, solidifying his impact on the music industry. Yet, the circumstances of his passing also sparked discussions about the glorification of troubled artists and the need for more awareness about mental health, depression, and violence.

XXXTentacion's story serves as a reminder that artists, like all individuals, are not perfect and are capable of both brilliance and imperfection.