‘Look at Me: XXXTentacion’ Review: Mental Illness, Domestic Violence and Overnight Stardom Mark a Rapper’s Very Short Story
19.03.2022 - 21:55
/ variety.com
Chris Willman Music WriterXXXTentacion, who became one of his generation’s biggest hip-hop stars before being murdered in a robbery at age 20, was candid about assuming the role of “villain” in his music, which he ascribed to a knack for marketing. Looking at his literal rap sheet, of course, it didn’t seem like just a persona.
Known in real life as Jahsey Osprey, the performer was awaiting trial on felony charges of home invasion and aggravated battery when he was arrested for imprisoning and brutally beating his girlfriend while she was apparently pregnant. So, with that as one of the most memorable parts of his legacy, it’s understandable if you’d want to take a pass on anything looking to “humanize” the late rapper, as does “Look at Me: XXXTentacion,” a documentary that premiered at SXSW this week (with a Hulu debut set for June 10).
That said, there are some emotional wrinkles may make “Look at Me” engrossing even for the disinclined. In particular, the movie focuses on another “villain” of sorts: the battered girlfriend in question.
Geneva Ayala was demonized by a significant part of his fan base when her police-report allegations ended up sending him back to prison when he was at the early height of his fame. XXXTentacion got a mug shot that ended up being suitable for framing as his next cool album cover; his victim was targeted for online abuse and found herself unable to keep a job or home.
The website popstar.one is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can
send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.