Juice WRLD: "Legends Never Die" - Album Review

Juice WRLD’s first posthumous album Legends Never Die serves as a simple reminder of his international stardom, with the album projecting in at 480k first week sales. The voice of the younger generation, Juice WRLD was able to fill the empty void that was left by XXXTENTACION’s untimely passing. Now, almost two years after his emergence, Hip-Hop fans are once again coping with the death of one of their idols.

Juice WRLD reeled his listeners in with his vulnerability through the use of his gifted melodies. He wanted to let young adults know that they were not alone, that he could relate to their anxiety, depression, and heartbreak. While Juice embodies the emo-sad boy sound throughout Legends Never Die, we also hear Pop-Punk singles like “Come & Go” and “Man of the Year.” Where Death Race for Love solidified Juice WRLD as an artist, Legends Never Die continues that.

In songs like “Conversations” and “Can’t Die,” Juice chillingly prophesizes his ultimate demise. “They tell me that I’m finna OD in no time,” he raps on “Can’t Die” - with the track also being confirmed as a tribute to XXXTENTACION. He continues, “I told ‘em I’ll do it on my time, not your time.” It was suggested at the time of his accidental overdose that he swallowed Oxy’s in an attempt to not get caught up by the feds, bringing both of these lines to fruition - if true. This also isn’t the first time that Juice rapped about the dangers of his drug addiction, predicting his death so many times throughout his short career. “If it wasn’t for the pills, I wouldn’t be here,” he raps on “Wishing Well,” “but if I keep taking these pills, I won’t be here.”

These themes of despair and anguish are all over this album and it can be uneasy to listen as a fan. However, despite Juice’s vicious cycle of heartbreak, substance abuse, and depression, he knew that by opening up about his problems he could help others to cope with their problems. He acknowledges this on “Man of the Year,” stating “I know my lyrics saved you, I know I helped you breakthrough.” He hopes to motivate his listeners to not give up, telling them “if I can, then you can too,” on “Screw Juice.” Though this path of destruction ultimately led to the end of Juice WRLD, Juice is still able to help his fans find reassurance and comfort while speaking from Heaven.

“Before I get up out of here, I want to tell you that you can do anything you put your mind to - it’s your world, you can do what you want.” -Juice WRLD.