XXXTentacion (1998-2018) was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to prominence in the late 2010s. Known for his emotionally charged music, he blended various genres, including hip-hop, punk, and R&B, creating a distinct sound that resonated with a diverse audience. His breakthrough came with the viral success of his single “Look At Me,” which showcased his raw lyricism and unique vocal style.
Despite his talent, XXXTentacion’s life was marked by controversy, including legal issues and a tumultuous personal life. He often addressed themes of mental health, heartbreak, and inner turmoil in his songs, which deeply connected with his fans. Tragically, he was shot and killed in June 2018 at the age of 20, leaving behind a lasting impact on the music industry and a legacy that continues to influence artists today.
Early Life and Troubled Childhood
XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, on January 23, 1998, in Plantation, Florida, spent his early years in Lauderhill, Florida. He grew up in a difficult environment characterized by poverty, instability, and emotional neglect. His father, Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, was often absent, spending much of Jahseh’s childhood either in and out of prison or away from the family. His mother, Cleopatra Bernard, struggled to provide for her son, leading Jahseh to spend much of his early life with his grandmother, Collette Jones, who played a pivotal role in raising him. Although his relationship with his mother was strained, he maintained a close bond with his grandmother.
Growing up, Jahseh exhibited signs of emotional and behavioral instability from a young age. At just six years old, he displayed violent tendencies when he attempted to stab a man who had assaulted his mother. This early exposure to violence would come to characterize much of his later life.
Jahseh’s troubled childhood continued throughout his school years. He was expelled from middle school for fighting and was transferred to various institutions due to his volatile nature. He struggled with controlling his anger, frequently getting into physical altercations, and developing a reputation for being rebellious. Despite these behavioral issues, Jahseh had a deep love for music, which was nurtured by his mother and grandmother. His musical tastes were diverse, ranging from rap to rock, metal, and emo. Influences such as Tupac Shakur, Nirvana, The Notorious B.I.G., and Slipknot would later shape his eclectic style.
However, Jahseh’s passion for music was often overshadowed by his troubled behavior. As a teenager, he was arrested multiple times for offenses such as armed robbery, assault, and gun possession. At one point, his mother sent him to a juvenile detention center in a desperate attempt to change his path. It was during his time in juvenile detention that Jahseh met Stokeley Clevon Goulbourne, known as Ski Mask the Slump God, with whom he formed a close friendship. Together, they would later create the rap collective Members Only, which would play a significant role in launching Jahseh’s career.
Struggles with Mental Health and Legal Issues
Throughout his life, XXXTentacion struggled with mental health issues, which he openly discussed in his music. He battled depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, often using his art as a means to cope with his inner demons. His emotional struggles, combined with his chaotic upbringing, contributed to his erratic and often violent behavior.
In interviews and on social media, Jahseh spoke candidly about his mental health challenges. He described his depression as something that had haunted him from a young age and claimed that his music was the only way he could express the depth of his pain. His candidness about mental health earned him a dedicated following of fans who related to his struggles and found solace in his music.
Despite his growing fanbase, XXXTentacion’s life was fraught with legal problems. In 2016, he was arrested for aggravated battery on his then-girlfriend, Geneva Ayala. The allegations against him were serious, with Ayala accusing him of physical abuse, including choking her and threatening to kill her. The legal case against Jahseh became a central narrative in his life and career, with many fans and critics alike divided over his alleged actions. While some believed in his potential for redemption, others condemned him for his violent behavior.
These allegations cast a long shadow over XXXTentacion’s career, but he continued to release music and gain popularity despite the controversy. His legal battles were a source of personal anguish, and he expressed regret for his past actions, though he maintained his innocence in certain aspects of the case. His complex relationship with his own morality, mental health, and the legal system became a recurring theme in his music.
The Rise of XXXTentacion
Jahseh’s music career began in earnest in 2013 when he started uploading tracks to SoundCloud, the platform that would eventually catapult him to fame. Using the name XXXTentacion, a combination of “X” (representing the unknown) and “Tentación” (Spanish for temptation), he released songs that were raw, emotional, and experimental. His early music was heavily influenced by the SoundCloud rap scene, blending elements of lo-fi production, distorted vocals, and abrasive beats.
In 2014, XXXTentacion and Ski Mask the Slump God formed the collective Members Only, which became a platform for the two friends to collaborate and release music. Members Only would later grow into a larger collective, but Jahseh and Ski Mask remained its most prominent members. Together, they released a series of collaborative mixtapes, beginning with Members Only, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.
XXXTentacion’s breakout moment came in 2015 with the release of his single “Look at Me!” The song, characterized by its distorted production and aggressive delivery, became a viral hit on SoundCloud, quickly gaining millions of plays. The track was raw and unfiltered, embodying the rebellious energy of the underground SoundCloud rap scene. As “Look at Me!” gained popularity, XXXTentacion began to build a dedicated fanbase.
In 2017, XXXTentacion’s career took a major leap forward when Drake was accused of stealing the flow of “Look at Me!” for his own song “KMT.” The controversy brought national attention to Jahseh’s music, and he capitalized on the moment by releasing new material and signing a record deal with Empire Distribution.
Musical Evolution and Success
In August 2017, XXXTentacion released his debut studio album 17, which marked a significant departure from the aggressive sound of his earlier work. The album was introspective, melancholic, and deeply personal, dealing with themes of depression, suicide, and mental health. 17 was critically acclaimed for its vulnerability and emotional depth, and it resonated with fans who were drawn to Jahseh’s openness about his struggles. Songs like “Jocelyn Flores” and “Revenge” became instant fan favorites, further solidifying XXXTentacion’s place in the music industry.
17 debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and showcased XXXTentacion’s versatility as an artist. He experimented with different genres, blending elements of rap, rock, and alternative music to create a sound that was uniquely his own. The success of 17 established him as one of the leading voices of the SoundCloud rap movement and opened the door for his second album.
In March 2018, XXXTentacion released his second studio album, ?, which continued his genre-defying approach to music. The album featured a mix of rap, rock, and R&B, showcasing Jahseh’s ability to seamlessly switch between different styles. ? was a commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and solidifying XXXTentacion’s status as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
Songs like “Sad!” and “Moonlight” became massive hits, with “Sad!” eventually going on to be certified Diamond by the RIAA. The track, in particular, became synonymous with Jahseh’s legacy, as it was a reflection of the deep emotional pain he often expressed in his music. Both albums, 17 and ?, displayed XXXTentacion’s growth as an artist and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
Death and Legacy
On June 18, 2018, XXXTentacion was shot and killed during a robbery outside a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Two armed men approached Jahseh’s car and opened fire, fatally wounding him. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after. His death sent shockwaves through the music world, and fans around the globe mourned the loss of an artist who, despite his controversies, had touched millions of lives with his music.
XXXTentacion’s death sparked an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow musicians, and friends. Tributes poured in from artists such as Kanye West, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar, all of whom acknowledged his impact on the music industry. Despite the controversies that surrounded his life, there was no denying the influence that XXXTentacion had on a generation of young listeners.
In the months following his death, Jahseh’s music continued to break records. His posthumous album, Skins, was released in December 2018 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Another posthumous release, Bad Vibes Forever, followed in 2019. Both albums were commercial successes, further cementing his legacy as an artist whose impact extended beyond his life.
XXXTentacion’s influence on the SoundCloud rap movement, as well as his candid discussions of mental health, have left a lasting imprint on music. His raw, emotional style inspired a new generation of artists who were unafraid to tackle issues such as depression, anxiety, and emotional trauma in their music. Though his life was cut tragically short, XXXTentacion’s music continues to resonate with fans around the world, and his legacy remains a topic of both admiration and debate.
Controversies and Complex Legacy
Throughout his life and career, XXXTentacion was a polarizing figure. On one hand, he was lauded for his vulnerability and honesty in his music, with many fans relating deeply to the struggles he expressed. On the other hand, his violent behavior and legal troubles made him a controversial figure, with many questioning whether his artistic contributions outweighed his personal actions.
The abuse allegations against him, in particular, sparked heated debates among fans and critics. Some believed that his efforts to change and grow as a person should be acknowledged, while others felt that his violent past could not be overlooked. This dual nature of XXXTentacion’s legacy makes him one of the most complex figures in modern music. For many, he was a voice for the voiceless, someone who articulated the pain, struggles, and mental health issues that others were too afraid to confront. His ability to be vulnerable about depression, suicidal thoughts, and personal demons resonated with millions of fans who saw him as a source of comfort and relatability in their darkest times.
