XXXTentacion

Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy - XXXTentacion

Name: Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy (professionally known as XXXTentacion)

Introduction: XXXTentacion was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Despite a controversial and short career, he rose to significant fame in the mid-to-late 2010s, becoming a leading figure in the emo rap and SoundCloud rap genres. His music often explored themes of depression, alienation, and violence, resonating deeply with a large and passionate fanbase.

Date of birth: January 23, 1998

Died: June 18, 2018 (aged 20), in Deerfield Beach, Florida, U.S. (He was fatally shot in an apparent robbery).

Height: 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m)

Place of birth: Plantation, Florida, U.S. (He spent his childhood in Pompano Beach and Lauderhill in South Florida).

Family:

  • Parents’ names: Cleopatra Eretha Dreena Bernard (mother) and Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy (father). His father left when he was young, and he was primarily raised by his mother and grandmother.
  • Siblings: He had a half-sister named Ariana Onfroy and a half-brother named Aiden Kerr, along with other siblings (specific names not widely publicized).
  • Partner: He was in a relationship with Jenesis Sanchez at the time of his death.
  • Children: Gekyume Onfroy (son, born January 26, 2019, posthumously, with Jenesis Sanchez).
  • Relatives: His parents, siblings, and son.

Profession: Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, writer.

Nationality: American (His ancestry included Jamaican, German, Indian, and Syrian roots).

Religion: His parents and grandfather were Rastafarians. While his music often contained spiritual themes and he explored various philosophies, his specific religious beliefs were complex and sometimes contradictory in his public statements. Some reports indicate he did not believe in a traditional God, while others suggest a spiritual journey.

College or university attended: He attended Piper High School in Sunrise, Florida, before dropping out in the tenth grade. He reportedly had plans to pursue further education before his death, possibly to obtain a GED or attend college.

Biography and What Famous For:

Jahseh Onfroy, known as XXXTentacion, had a difficult childhood marked by instability. He was expelled from school multiple times due to behavioral issues, including a notable incident of violence. He spent time in juvenile detention centers, where he reportedly began writing music. In one such center, he met fellow rapper Ski Mask the Slump God, with whom he would later form the hip-hop collective Members Only.

He began uploading music to SoundCloud in 2014, with his first song being “Vice City.” He gained a significant underground following through his raw, often distorted, and emotionally charged tracks.

XXXTentacion is most famous for:

  • Pioneering Emo Rap and SoundCloud Rap: He was a central figure in the emergence and mainstream popularization of these genres in the mid-to-late 2010s. His music blended elements of hip-hop, emo, R&B, punk rock, and nu-metal, creating a distinct sound characterized by its lo-fi production, raw vocals, and deeply personal, often dark, lyrics.
  • His Breakthrough Single “Look at Me!”: Released in 2015 and gaining viral traction in early 2017, this song propelled him into the mainstream.
  • His Debut Album “17” (2017): This album, known for its depressive and vulnerable themes, received critical acclaim and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, showcasing his ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
  • His Second Studio Album “?” (2018): Released shortly before his death, this album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It featured the massively popular single “Sad!”, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 after his passing.
  • His Candidness about Mental Health: His music and public persona often directly addressed his struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, which resonated with a young audience grappling with similar issues.
  • His Controversial Persona and Legal Troubles: His career was frequently overshadowed by highly publicized legal issues, including charges of aggravated battery, false imprisonment, and witness tampering related to alleged domestic violence. These controversies led to public debate and mixed reactions from both fans and critics.

On June 18, 2018, XXXTentacion was fatally shot during a robbery outside a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida. His death at a young age shocked the music world, leading to a surge in his music’s popularity and continued posthumous releases. His son, Gekyume, was born seven months after his death. In March 2023, three men were found guilty of his murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Have participated (Selected Discography and Awards/Nominations):

Studio Albums:

  • 17 (2017)
  • ? (2018)
  • Skins (2018) – Posthumous
  • Bad Vibes Forever (2019) – Posthumous

Mixtapes/EPs:

  • Revenge (2017)
  • Willy Wonka Was a Child Murderer (2016)
  • ItWasntEnough (2016)
  • The Fall (2014)

Notable Singles:

  • “Look at Me!”
  • “Sad!”
  • “Jocelyn Flores”
  • “Fuck Love” (feat. Trippie Redd)
  • “Moonlight”
  • “Changes”

Awards and Nominations (Posthumous Awards were often based on his previous work):

  • American Music Award for Favorite Album – Soul/R&B (17, 2018)
  • Billboard Music Award for Top Rap Album (? , 2019)
  • Billboard Music Award for Top R&B Album (? , 2019)
  • Billboard Music Award for Top Streaming Song (Audio) (“Sad!”, 2019)
  • BET Hip Hop Award for Best New Hip Hop Artist (Nominated, 2017)
  • Billboard Music Award for Top New Artist (Nominated, 2019)
  • MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist (Nominated, 2018)

XXXTentacion Photos: