XXXTENTACION
Biography
Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, known professionally as XXXTENTACION, was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter born on January 23, 1998, in Plantation, Florida. He spent most of his childhood in Lauderhill and was primarily raised by his grandmother due to his mother's personal struggles. His interest in music began after his aunt encouraged him to join school and church choirs, though he was later expelled from both for fighting. After being sent to a juvenile detention center for gun possession charges, he met Stokeley Goulbourne, known as Ski Mask the Slump God, and their friendship would be pivotal in his music career.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
XXXTENTACION's music career began on the streaming platform SoundCloud in 2013, where he released his first song, "News/Flock". He became a prominent figure in the "SoundCloud rap" scene, known for its lo-fi production and distorted 808s. In 2014, he formed the underground collective Members Only. His breakthrough single, "Look at Me," was originally uploaded to SoundCloud in 2015 and gained significant traction in 2017, eventually peaking at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success led to his debut studio album "17" in 2017, which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum. His second studio album, "?", released in 2018, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Following his death, the lead single "Sad!" posthumously reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Musical Style and Influences
XXXTENTACION was known for his musical versatility, blending a wide array of genres including hip hop, emo, trap, lo-fi, indie rock, nu metal, and punk rock. His music often explored themes of depression, alienation, and mental health, which resonated with a young fanbase. He cited artists like Kurt Cobain, The Weeknd, and Kanye West as major influences on his work.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Throughout his short career, XXXTENTACION was a controversial figure due to numerous legal issues. In 2014, he was sent to a juvenile detention center for gun possession. In 2016, he was arrested and charged with robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Later that year, he faced more serious charges, including aggravated battery of a pregnant woman, domestic battery by strangulation, false imprisonment, and witness tampering. These legal troubles significantly impacted his public image and legacy.
Death and Legacy
On June 18, 2018, at the age of 20, XXXTENTACION was shot and killed during a robbery in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The attackers stole a bag containing $50,000 in cash. Four men were later arrested, charged, and found guilty of first-degree murder. After his death, two posthumous albums were released: "Skins" (2018) and "Bad Vibes Forever" (2019). "Skins" became his second number-one album on the Billboard 200. He has sold over 68 million certified records in the US and UK combined and has been recognized with posthumous awards, including an American Music Award and a BET Hip Hop Award.