XIII Sorrows


XIII Sorrows is the debut extended play by American rapper Odetari following his collaborative extended play, 3x3. The album was released on September 13, 2023, through Artist Partner Group. The EP features guest appearances from 6arelyhuman, Cade Clair, and Jeleel. The album draws influence from the electronic dance music scene, with a more electronic approach than his previous extended play, 3x3.
XIII Sorrows is an EDM EP that comprises subtle elements of hip-hop and jersey club. XIII Sorrows was supported by four singles, all of which charted and were certified gold. Consisting of eleven tracks and a duration of around sixteen minutes, the production was handled by Odetari and Giomadx, with Odetari being the sole songwriter. Upon its release, it received generally favorable reviews from critics and was certified gold by the Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry.

Background and composition

Odetari's music became popular on TikTok due to his videos of audio deepfakes of video game characters. The aforementioned had used his songs in the background. After getting fired his job as a high school teacher, he began releasing songs on SoundCloud more frequently and using them in his TikTok videos. XIII Sorrows is an EDM EP that incorporates elements of hip-hop, hyperpop, and jersey club. While exploring themes of "braggadocious disaffection". It features guest appearances from 6arelyhuman, Cade Clair, and Jeleel, production was handled by Odetari and Giomadx, while also being solely written by Odetari. The album title is named after the Kingdom Hearts group Organization XIII. It would gain traction following a surge of virality on TikTok.

Release and reception

XIII Sorrows' lead single "Good Loyal Thots" released on March 15, 2023. It was then followed by "Narcissistic Personality Disorder" on April 1, 2023, "Look Don't Touch" on May 17, 2023, and the final single "GMFU" released two months later on July 26, 2023. The singles would gain virality, chart on the US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, and in addition also be certified gold by the Recording [Industry Association of America]. The album would be certified gold by the Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry.
Jacob Saltzberg of Earmilk said, "XIII Sorrows is an invigorating project that keeps the listener on their toes with its diverse sound palette and undercurrent of intensity." Liliana Parsons of The Journal would give the record a 7/10 writing that "I recommend this album to anyone who's looking for exciting and fun music to listen to. Many people criticize the album because of its popularity on TikTok, but I think people should put their preconceived notions aside and give this album a listen." Steve 'Flash' Juon of RapReviews said, "But my ears have been boxed by XIII Sorrows and instead of feeling mad about it I'm ready to go five more rounds. My balls are hot and so is Odetari's music." XIII Sorrows would be nominated for Billboard [Music Award for Top Dance/Electronic Album|Top Dance/Electronic Album] at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards.

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.
  • Taha Ahmad – composing, vocals, songwriting, production
  • Toby Hamilton – composing, vocals, songwriting
  • Matthew O'Neil – engineering, studio personnel
  • Giomadx – production
  • Kamoren White – vocals, songwriting
  • Jeleel Yussuf – composing, vocals, songwriting