XXTenations, born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, bursts onto the music scene as one of the defining voices of the SoundCloud rap era, infusing his work with raw emotion, genre-blending production, and an unreachable intensity that captivated millions. Born on January 23, 1998, in Plantation, Florida, he drew from tumultuous roots—family instability, frequent moves, and run-ins with the law—which formed the emotional bedrock of his artistry.
Early brushes with law and expulsion from school weren’t deterrents—they fueled his rebellious creativity. He launched his career on SoundCloud in 2013, experimenting with distorted vocals, guitar-driven beats, and emo-grunge atmospheres that defied conventional rap norms. As a founding member of the underground collective Members Only, he quickly became a cornerstone of the SoundCloud rap movement—a DIY, emotionally unfiltered, digitally native force that transformed music’s trajectory.
Rise to Stardom: From ‘Look at Me!’ to Chart-Topping Albums
XXTenations artistic breakthrough came with the explosive single “Look at Me!” in 2016, a track that became an underground anthem for its aggressive energy and distorted production. His debut studio album, 17, released in August 2017, debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and showcased a vulnerable, emotional side—highlighted by hits like “Jocelyn Flores” (8× Platinum) and “Fuck Love” (Platinum).
The follow-up, his sophomore album ?, dropped in 2018 and reached #1 on the Billboard 200, making a seismic impact with its lead single “Sad!”—which posthumously soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This track pulled in colossal streaming numbers: over 1.2 billion views on YouTube and 2.1 billion streams on Spotify by early 2024, earning Diamond certification
A Legacy Marred by Controversy and Legal Turmoil
XXTenations’s meteoric rise was far from drama-free. His legacy is profoundly complex, shadowed by serious legal issues and domestic violence allegations. In 2016, he faced battery charges involving his then-pregnant ex-girlfriend—controversies that painted his public persona in stark, unrelenting tones.
His music, often emotionally resonant and introspective, collided with real-life violence. Journalists and critics described his narrative as one torn between personal evolution and past abuses, with his story often framed as a tragic spiral—one that ended with a shocking end at the age of 20.
Tragic End: The Murder and Its Aftermath
On June 18, 2018, XXTenations was fatally shot outside a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida, at age 20. The assailants targeted him for his Louis Vuitton bag containing $50,000, in a robbery-turned-murder scenario. Four men—Michael Boatwright, Trayvon Newsome, Dedrick Williams, and Robert Allen IV—were charged in his killing. Boatwright was identified as the shooter; three have since received life sentences without parole, and Allen accepted a plea deal
Posthumously, xXTenations’s legacy continues through his music, his son (born after his death), and a groundswell of cultural and digital reverence.
Posthumous Influence: Music, Merchandise, and Media
Even after his death, XXTenations’s influence remained powerful. His estate has released new music and collaborations, including a stirring joint track with Juice WRLD, titled “whoa (mind in awe)” (Remix)—featuring a previously unreleased Juice verse and accompanied by a music video highlighting Jamaica and soccer, with proceeds supporting Jamaican youth and mental health initiatives
Parallelly, the estate launched the Bad Vibes Forever clothing line in July 2025, translating XXTenations’s creativity into fashion. Designs include original artwork and messages tied to his artistry—with a portion of proceeds dedicated to the Lumule Foundation, which supports children and families in war-torn northern Uganda
Adding a digital twist, Fortnite is set to host a collaboration featuring XXTenations in an upcoming in-game event, entwining interactive gaming with music legacy and expanding his reach into virtual entertainment.
Capturing the Complexity: Documentaries, Son, and Emotional Echo
XXTenations’s story has been examined through multiple lenses—especially the 2022 Hulu documentary “Look at Me”, directed by Sabaah Folayan. It offers a nuanced portrayal, incorporating interviews with his mother Cleopatra Bernard, ex-girlfriend Geneva Ayala, best friend Ski Mask the Slump God, and many others. The film grapples with his contradictions: his abusive past, his attempts at redemption, his mental health struggles, and the emotional connection he built with fans.
Meanwhile, his son Gekyume Onfroy, born in January 2019, continues to be a poignant reminder of XXXTentacion’s enduring personal ties. Named by the rapper himself, Gekyume—meaning “next universe of thought”—briefly touches the public view as he starts school, symbolizing the continuation of a legacy intertwined with heartbreak and hope
Conclusion
XXTenations remains a polarizing yet undeniably influential figure in modern music history. From SoundCloud rebel to chart-topping artist, his journey was a roller-coaster of innovation, emotional exposure, legal scandal, and ultimately tragedy. Today, his legacy endures through posthumous releases, fashion, digital tributes, and the continuing narrative of his son, Gekyume.
His story is a raw testament to both the power and peril of fame—an artist whose creativity and vulnerability touched millions, yet whose life was deeply fractured by violence and controversy. His narrative endures: haunting, compelling, and unforgettable.
