Total Xanarchy

Total Xanarchy is the debut studio album by American rapper Nicholas Diego Leanos, known professionally as Lil Xan. It was released on April 6, 2018, by Columbia Records. The album features guest appearances from Charli XCX, YG, Rae Sremmurd, 2 Chainz, Diplo, Yo Gotti, Rich the Kid, and $teven Cannon.

It was supported by five singles: "Slingshot", "Betrayed", "Far", "Wake Up" and "Color Blind".[citation needed] Total Xanarchy was panned by both music critics and listeners, with most criticizing the lyrical content and Leanos' overall performance, and is generally considered among the worst rap albums of all time.

Background

The album was originally titled No Love after Xan's single of the same name, but was changed after his management decided not to include the song on the album. It was originally scheduled for a March 17, 2018 release; however, the album was delayed.

On March 2, 2018, during an interview with Ebro Darden during the Ebro in the Morning show, Xan explained the direction of the album's sound and style, by stating,

We really wanted the album to be something else. This album is where I feel like I shine with the whole creativity. It's a lot of stuff people haven't heard. It's a very mature sound. I don't think they're going to expect it.

On March 15, 2018, the album's artwork and release date were revealed through the rapper's Instagram story.

Singles

The album's lead single, "Slingshot", was released on April 2, 2017. The JP-directed music video was originally released on June 21, 2017, however it was re-uploaded on November 22, 2017.

The album's second single, "Betrayed", was released for streaming and digital download on July 20, 2017. The Cole Bennett-directed music video was released on August 28, 2017. The music video has reached over 285 million views on YouTube.

The album's third single, "Far", was released on November 3, 2017. Its music video was released on October 31, 2017.

The album's fourth single, "Wake Up", was released on December 27, 2017. The Cole Bennett-directed music video was released on December 30, 2017.

The album's fifth single, a collaboration with producer Diplo, titled "Color Blind" was released on March 22, 2018. A music video for the song was released on April 10, 2018.

Promotional singles

The album's lead promotional single, "Betrayed (Remix)" with Yo Gotti and Rich the Kid was released on March 15, 2018.

The album's second promotional single, "The Man" featuring Steven Cannon was released on March 30, 2018, along with the Steve King-directed music video.

Promotion

Tour

On December 18, 2017, Lil Xan announced an official headlining concert tour to further promote the album titled Total Xanarchy Tour. The tour began on January 25, 2018, in Vancouver, at Venue Nightclub.

Critical reception

Total Xanarchy was panned by music critics, with most criticizing the lyrical content and Leanos' overall performance. Ben Beaumont-Thomas from The Guardian gave credit to the tracks containing strong hooks and "fine, gothic production", but criticized Xan for mimicking the technical abilities of XXXTentacion ("Diamonds") and Post Malone ("Far") and lacking in lyricism, saying "I can confidently report that there are no good lyrics on this album." Pitchfork writer Meaghan Garvey said about Lil Xan overall, "On his debut album, the standard-bearer of the sad-rap movement refuses to reveal much in the way of emotion at all, aside from a kind of sullen, conflicted defiance."

Track listing

Credits adapted from Tidal.

Notes

• ^[a] signifies a co-producer
• ^[b] signifies an uncredited co-producer
• "Color Blind" features background vocals from Thomas Azie
• The CD version of the album does not include the songs "Shine Hard" and "Betrayed (Remix)".

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.

Technical

• DJ Fu – recording (track 1, 4, 5, 14), mixing (track 14)
• Steve Hybicki – mixing (tracks 1–11)
• Mauricio "Veto" Iragorri – mastering (tracks 1–14, 16)
• Steven "B" Baughman – mastering (tracks 1–14, 16)
• Kinfolk John – mixing (tracks 2, 12–14, 16), recording (tracks 2, 3, 6–13, 16)
• Nolan Presley – recording (track 3)
• Finis "KY" White – mixing (track 3)
• Ben the Great – mixing (track 14)
• Boaz De Jong – mixing (track 15)
• Mike Bell – mastering (track 15)

Charts

Certifications