It’s almost impossible to talk about the mid-2010s SoundCloud era without mentioning the song that basically broke the internet’s speakers. When you listen to XXXTentacion Look At Me, you aren’t just hearing a track; you’re hearing a shift in how music is made, distributed, and consumed. It’s loud. It’s distorted. It’s arguably one of the most polarizing three-minute stretches in modern hip-hop history.
But why are we still talking about it in 2026?
Maybe because it’s the definitive "love it or hate it" anthem. To some, it’s a masterpiece of raw energy. To others, it’s a low-quality sonic assault. Honestly, both sides are kinda right. That’s the magic of it.
The Beat That Wasn’t Even Meant for X
Most people don't realize that the "Look At Me!" beat was actually a hand-me-down. Producer Rojas originally crafted the instrumental for a rapper named Retch. But Retch went to jail before he could record over it, and the file just sat there. When Jahseh Onfroy (X) heard it at Jimmy Duval’s studio, he allegedly finished the song in 15 minutes.
It’s a simple loop. A heavy sample of "Changes" by British dubstep artist Mala.
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The distortion wasn't a mistake. Rojas and X purposely cranked the bass until the audio clipped. They wanted it to sound like it was blowing out your car speakers even at low volume. It was a middle finger to the "polished" sound of radio rap. It was lo-fi, high-octane rebellion.
Why Listen to XXXTentacion Look At Me Now?
The song’s longevity is weird. Usually, viral hits have the shelf life of an open carton of milk. Yet, "Look At Me!" has over 2 billion streams on Spotify as of early 2026.
- The Drake Controversy: Remember when Drake’s "KMT" dropped and everyone thought he stole X’s flow? That beef alone kept the song in the headlines for months.
- The Documentary: The 2022 Hulu documentary Look At Me: XXXTentacion gave the song a second life. It framed the track as the starting gun for a career defined by massive talent and massive controversy.
- The Energy: In a world of over-produced TikTok pop, the sheer "I don't care" attitude of this track still hits.
The Music Video Nobody Wants to Talk About
When the official video finally dropped in 2017—long after the song had gone viral—it wasn't what anyone expected. It wasn't a party video. It was a social commentary.
The most controversial part? X staged the lynching of a white child.
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He did it to prove a point about the desensitization to violence against Black youth. He wanted to see if the world would be just as outraged by a fictional image of a white child as they were by the real-life deaths of Black men. It worked. People were furious. Conservative news outlets went into a tailspin. X’s response was basically, "If this bothers you more than real murder, you're the problem."
Where to Actually Listen to XXXTentacion Look At Me
If you’re looking to find the best version, skip the unofficial re-uploads.
- SoundCloud: This is the "authentic" experience. This is where it started. The comments section is a time capsule of 2015-2016 internet culture.
- Spotify/Apple Music: Use the version from the Revenge mixtape or Look At Me: The Album. These are the high-bitrate (well, as high as a distorted track gets) official releases.
- YouTube: The official video is a must-watch at least once, even if the imagery is heavy.
The Ethical Elephant in the Room
You can't really talk about X without acknowledging the baggage. The domestic abuse allegations, the jail time, the violence—it’s all part of the "Look At Me!" story. Listening to the song involves grappling with the fact that the artist was a deeply troubled individual.
Some fans separate the art from the artist. Others find it impossible.
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The documentary didn't shy away from this either. It showed that while X was becoming a superstar via this song, he was also dealing with severe mental health issues and a legal system that couldn't keep up with him. It’s a messy legacy.
Final Take: Does It Hold Up?
Surprisingly, yes.
While the "SoundCloud Rap" wave has mostly receded, "Look At Me!" remains the blueprint. It proved that you didn't need a million-dollar studio. You just needed a laptop, a distorted bass loop, and enough charisma to make people pay attention.
If you're going to dive back in, crank the volume, but maybe warn your neighbors first.
Actionable Steps for the Curious Listener:
- Check the Sample: Go listen to "Changes" by Mala. It’s wild to hear the chill dubstep track that provided the backbone for such an aggressive song.
- Watch the Doc: If you want the full context of what was happening in X's life while he was recording this, the Hulu documentary is essential.
- Verify Your Gear: This song is the ultimate test for subwoofers. If your headphones can't handle the bass at the 0:45 mark, it's time for an upgrade.