By February 2017, Listhrop removed all of his Mazzi Maz videos from his YouTube channel and has since rebranded it to his Scarlxrd moniker. In a 2017 Interview, Listhrop described his time as a YouTube personality and posting videos on the site as "soul-destroying".
In August 2016, Scarlxrd debuted his new moniker with the release of "Girlfriend". The music video depicts him unmasked and rapping over a "humid, tropical hip-hop track". By the end of 2016, he released two albums, his self-titled album (stylised in Japanese characters as スカー藩主) and Rxse. After the release of two more albums, Cabin Fever and Chaxsthexry, in April 2017, Scarlxrd began prominently wearing a black surgical mask in his music videos and released the video for "Chain$aw" on 31 May; a week later, he released the music video for "King, Scar". On 23 June, he published the music video for "Heart Attack" and the video quickly gained popularity and still stands as his most popular track to date. He credits his consistency of releasing music videos, specifically the videos for "Chain$aw" and "King, Scar", for the video's popularity rise. On 29 September, he released his fifth studio album Lxrdszn.
In February 2018, it was announced that Scarlxrd would perform at the 2018 Reading and Leeds Festivals. In April, it was revealed that he would be featured on Carnage's second studio album, Battered Bruised & Bloody, released on 13 April; Scarlxrd performed on the song "Up Nxw". On 4 May, he released his sixth studio album and major label debut Dxxm via Island Records.
Scarlxrd's combination of trap music and heavy metal has been dubbed "trap metal" and is often associated with SoundCloud rap artists. In a 2018 article, NME described him as a "tormented outsider hip-hop artist". They also called him a "rap metal overlord" and his style to include "screamed vocals, claustrophobic trap beats and ear-shredding bursts of distorted guitar", as well as calling it a fusion of metal and "nihilistic rap". Scarlxrd grew up listening to heavy metal music and cites hip hop artists including Missy Elliott, Nelly and Eminem as influences. He also stated that he formed Myth City after being influenced by rock bands Linkin Park and Rage Against the Machine.
He is known to replace the letter "o" with "x", which is shown in his stage name and song titles. Scarlxrd's visual aesthetic within his music videos and clothing style is heavily influenced from Japanese culture, especially anime. His signature surgical mask, was inspired by the Japanese manga Tokyo Ghoul. Scarlxrd also cited American heavy metal band Slipknot as an inspiration towards his visuals.
Battle Scars
SCARLXRD Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
I still hate your guts (Blegh)
Spent so long trying my best to change my ways (Blegh)
You must think I'm stupid, I won't play your games (Yah, yah, yah)
Living in the past better catch up, your thoughts are still the same (Yah, yah, yah)
Now I've found my freedom, you should dig your graves (Fuck)
They don't bark or scare me, no
Battle scars, fuck your dogs
They don't bark or scare me, no
Battle scars, fuck your dogs
They don't bark or scare me, no
Battle scars, fuck your dogs
They don't bark or scare me, no
Yeah, I had to make moves by myself when
Every motherfucker wanted my attention
You will never see me coming 'cause I blend in
I'ma rip out all your teeth like a dentist
I'ma only spill truth on a sentence
Fuck you, fuck numbers, fuck mentions
Lxrd's about to do shit relentless
Fuck the industry, I'm authentic
Spent so long with my own pain, I have no thoughts (I'm saucy now, yah)
Open up your mouth and tell those lies you bought (Yah, yah)
Careful when you tread, you fucking might get caught (Scarlxrd, yah)
Live in silence until blood fills up your lungs
Battle scars, fuck your dogs
They don't bark or scare me, no
Battle scars, fuck your dogs
They don't bark or scare me, no
Battle scars, fuck your dogs
They don't bark or scare me, no
Battle scars, fuck your dogs
They don't bark or scare me, no
Scarlxrd, hi, yeah
In the song "Battle Scars" by SCARLXRD, the singer expresses a strong sense of defiance and empowerment towards someone who has caused them pain and turmoil. The opening lines set the tone for the song, as the singer addresses the listener directly, indicating a moment of hesitation before diving into their feelings. The repetition of "Mmm, okay, so today" suggests a deliberation before finally asserting, "I still hate your guts." This line establishes the deep-seated emotions of resentment and animosity towards the subject of the song.
The following verses delve into the singer's journey of self-improvement and growth, highlighting the struggles they have faced in changing their ways. The lyrics reflect a sense of frustration towards the perceived lack of understanding from the other party, portraying a sense of defiance against playing their games. The mention of finding freedom and urging the other to "dig your graves" conveys a sense of liberation and empowerment over the situation, indicating that the singer has overcome past obstacles and is ready to move forward.
The chorus of the song serves as a defiant mantra, with the repeated lines of "Battle scars, fuck your dogs, they don't bark or scare me, no," emphasizing a resolute stance against any attempts to intimidate or belittle the singer. The imagery of battle scars symbolizes the emotional wounds and struggles endured, while the dismissal of the other party's attempts to intimidate or control reflects a sense of inner strength and resilience.
Towards the end of the song, SCARLXRD addresses the challenges faced in the music industry and asserts their authenticity and independence. The lyrics convey a sense of determination to speak their truth and defy any expectations or constraints imposed by external forces. The bold declarations of self-expression and defiance signify a rebellious spirit and a refusal to conform to societal norms or expectations. Overall, "Battle Scars" is a powerful anthem of self-empowerment and resilience in the face of adversity.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Joseph Harris, Marius Lucas Antonio Listhrop
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind