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Writer's Block is Real, Even for J.Cole: Here are 8 Tips to Overcome

January 19, 2023

Rapper J. Cole has recently announced that he had been struggling with writer's block, but found a way to break free from it by using a type beat from Youtube music producer BVTMAN's YouTube...

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Hania Rani: A Virtuoso in the World of Classical and Electronic Music

January 19, 2023

Hania Rani is a Polish pianist and composer whose music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "evocative." She is known for her unique blend of classical and electronic music, which she...

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Ryan Tedder’s Studio Review: Writing Three Songs From Scratch

January 16, 2023

Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...

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Quentin Miller only got paid $30,000 for writing 6 Drake songs.

January 6, 2022

Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....

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Timbaland’s Beatmaking Masterclass Review: A Class on Feeling the Flow

December 28, 2022

Many artists are using their personal brand and influence to educate artists, from beginners to fellow professionals. Timbaland has partnered with Masterclass to teach musicians how to make unique...

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Rina Sawyama -- The Voice of a Genre-Spanning Pop Star

December 7, 2022

Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...

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YouTube Announces New “Creator Music” Platform

October 4, 2022

In the wake of Tiktok’s rapid expansion and growing dominance in the short-form video market, YouTube has felt the pressure to adapt to keep up with the shifting demands of its audience...

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Deep Dive: How Conan Gray Writes His Songs

October 5, 2022

Conan Gray is an American YouTuber turned singer-songwriter, most well-known for his songs about heartbreak and unrequited love. Throughout his career, Conan has written songs like “Crush Culture”...

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Phoebe Bridgers: A Deep Dive into Songwriting

October 17, 2022

Phoebe Bridgers is an American songwriter, singer, and producer who has, in recent years, gained mainstream recognition with the release of her sophomore album “Punisher” in 2020...

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How Steve Lacy Makes the Most with Less

October 18, 2022

Steve Lacy is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and living proof that you don’t need the most advanced or high-tech studio equipment to create music that listeners will love...

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Has the Pandemic Changed the World of Live Music?

August 31, 2022

For the last two years, there has been something missing in the lives of music lovers around the world—live music. The advent of a global pandemic meant the absence of concerts, festivals........

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Like the Early Days of Hip-Hop: The Future of Blockchain in the Music Industry

August 19, 2022

One of the biggest questions many spaces face today is how blockchain technology may overhaul industry norms, and the music industry is no exception. In particular...

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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.