HNDRXX is one of Future’s most introspective, melodic and beloved albums in his catalog. Fully expressing himself as an artist—tapping into a vulnerable side we’ve never seen from him before—the album acted as a stark (and surprised-released) counterpart to the self-titled FUTURE, which dropped exactly one week prior. However, HNDRXX is truly the Atlanta rapper’s most cohesive, personal and timeless body of work to date.
Celebrating its 8th anniversary today, here’s 8 facts about Future’s HNDRXX’!
Future considered it his first “honest” album
In a 2017 interview with Zane Lowe, Future describes HNDRXX as his most authentic and “open” album, returning to his artistic roots and shelving the sound that’s become synonymous with his legacy. Open-ended, personal deep cuts like “My Collection” saw the rapper open up and express himself fully, finally feeling comfortable being vulnerable on wax.
It was recorded simultaneously with ‘FUTURE’
Created during the same studio sessions as FUTURE, HNDRXX was purposely designed to contrast the hard-hitting club anthems heard on FUTURE. HNDRXX embraces the rapper’s R&B bag and speaks of heartbreak that not only relates to everyone, but embodies what he was feeling at the time.
‘HNDRXX’ was inspired by real-life heartbreak
Many fans believe that HNDRXX reflects Future’s feelings about his highly-publicized breakup with Ciara back in 2014. Songs like “My Collection,” “I Thank U” and “Use Me” hint at regret and lost love, making the connection more clear that Pluto was speaking on his REAL emotions throughout the album. “Even if I hit you once, you‘re part of my collection” even sounds like a remorseful lover trying to stay strong. We’ve all been there.
The album title references Future’s alter ego
Yes, most fans know that “HNDRXX” refers to Future and has been an alias he’s used for the majority of his career. However, the name derives from Jimi Hendrix, who Future admired for his rebellious, free-spirited approach to his craft. Jimi wasn’t afraid to be different, and HNDRXX embodies this, bringing out Future’s most expressive and experimental side. Where FUTURE saw Pluto stuck in his toxic player ways, HNDRXX looked himself in the mirror and was honest with himself for the first time.
It was his first No. 1 Album on the R&B/Hip-Hop Chart
Future was already a bona fide chart topper at this point in his career, but never had he claimed the top spot on ANY R&B chart. ‘HNDRXX’ not only marked Future’s first No. 1 record on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, but showcased his crossover appeal into a more melodic and R&B-driven sound—strengthening his mainstream stock.
The album featured The Weeknd, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown
Highlights like the Rihanna-assisted “Selfish” and “Comin Out Strong” with The Weeknd were not only bids for Billboard Hot 100 placements, but stand as catalog classics nearly a decade later. This was the second time Rih and Future collaborated, previously on “Loveeeeeee Song” off her 2012 album Unapologetic. However, Pluto and The Weeknd’s chemistry is undeniable, linking up on tracks like “Low Life,” “Always Be My Fault” and more recent songs like “We Still Don’t Trust You,” “Young Metro” and “All I Know,” among others. “Pie” with Chris Brown and “You da Baddest” were released as singles and later added on to the album months later.
Future became the first artist to have two albums debut at No. 1 in back-to-back weeks
FUTURE (Feb. 17) and HNDRXX (Feb. 24) were released exactly one week apart in 2017—and both debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 in consecutive weeks. At the time in 2017, Future was the only artist to achieve consecutive No. 1 albums (nonetheless being two separate albums) in back-to-back weeks. His efforts with Metro Boomin, We Don’t Trust You and We Still Don’t Trust You, interestingly nabbed back-to-back No. 1s in 2024, but not in consecutive weeks.
It features Future’s longest solo track ever
Believe it or not, “Sorry” is the longest solo song Future has ever released. It runs for 7 minutes and 31 seconds, and despite its length, “Sorry” is certainly a standout. The pain and regret in Future’s rapping is heard through heavy bars like “I ain’t really mean to hurt you / Sorry it’s gotta be that way / I ain’t mean to desert you / Sorry that it look that way.” And as an outro, it may rank as one of Future’s best.