XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who became one of the most influential figures of the late 2010s hip-hop movement. Known for his emotionally intense lyrics, genre-blending sound, and raw approach to music, XXXTentacion helped shape the rise of SoundCloud rap and alternative hip-hop.
Before his death in 2018 at age 20, he released major projects including 17, ?, and Skins, producing global hits such as “Look At Me!,” “Jocelyn Flores,” “Moonlight,” and “SAD!.”
Quick Facts
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy |
| Known As | XXXTentacion |
| Born | January 23, 1998 |
| Died | June 18, 2018 |
| Age at Death | 20 years old |
| Birthplace | Plantation, Florida, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Rapper, singer, songwriter |
| Genres | Hip-hop, emo rap, alternative rap, R&B |
| Years Active | 2013–2018 |
| Record Labels | Bad Vibes Forever, Empire, Capitol Music Group |
| Breakthrough Song | “Look At Me!” |
| Debut Album | 17 (2017) |
| Most Successful Album | ? (2018) |
| Children | 1 son, Gekyume Onfroy |
| Cause of Death | Fatal gunshot wounds during a robbery |
| Estimated Net Worth at Death | Public estimates vary |
| Official Website | Information is not publicly available |
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Early Life
- Education
- Beginning of Music Career
- Rise to Fame
- Career Timeline
- Major Achievements
- Awards and Honors
- Discography
- Posthumous Releases
- Net Worth
- Personal Life
- Legal Issues and Controversies
- Death
- Philanthropy
- Legacy and Influence
- Interesting Facts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Topics
- Suggested Images
- Schema Recommendations
- SEO Checklist
Overview
XXXTentacion was one of the most polarizing and influential artists of his generation. Emerging from South Florida’s underground music scene, he gained attention through SoundCloud by combining elements of hip-hop, punk, rock, R&B, and experimental music.
His music frequently explored themes such as depression, loneliness, heartbreak, mental health struggles, anger, and personal reflection. This emotional honesty helped him connect with millions of young listeners worldwide.
Although his career lasted only a few years, he accumulated billions of streams, multiple platinum records, and a devoted global fan base.
Early Life
Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was born on January 23, 1998, in Plantation, Florida.
He experienced a difficult childhood marked by family instability and periods of living with relatives. He was raised primarily by his grandmother and later developed an interest in music as a form of emotional expression.
As a child, XXXTentacion showed interest in creative activities, including music and visual arts. He reportedly began singing after joining his school’s choir, although his time in organized education was disrupted by behavioral issues.
Education
XXXTentacion attended several schools in Florida but did not complete traditional high school education.
He later focused primarily on music, self-development, and building his career through online platforms.
Information about formal higher education is not publicly available.
Career Development
Early Music Releases (2013–2015)
XXXTentacion began releasing music online under the name XXXTentacion, a name derived from the Spanish word “tentación” meaning temptation.
His early tracks were uploaded to SoundCloud, where he gained attention among underground hip-hop communities.
In 2014, he released his first major project, The Fall.
Breakthrough With “Look At Me!” (2015–2017)
His career changed significantly after releasing “Look At Me!” on SoundCloud.
The song later gained mainstream attention, becoming a viral hit and helping introduce him to a wider audience.
He signed with Empire Distribution and released his debut studio album, 17, in 2017.
Mainstream Success With ? (2018)
In March 2018, XXXTentacion released his second studio album, ?.
The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
It included:
- “SAD!”
- “Moonlight”
- “Changes”
“SAD!” became his biggest commercial success and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 following his death.
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Born in Plantation, Florida |
| 2013 | Began releasing music online |
| 2014 | Released early projects including The Fall |
| 2015 | Released “Look At Me!” |
| 2017 | Released debut album 17 |
| 2017 | Released “Jocelyn Flores” |
| 2018 | Released album ? |
| March 2018 | ? debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200 |
| June 18, 2018 | Died in Florida shooting |
| 2018 | Posthumous album Skins released |
| 2019 | Bad Vibes Forever released |
Major Achievements
- Billboard 200 No. 1 album (?)
- Multiple platinum-certified songs
- Billions of global streams
- One of the most influential SoundCloud-era artists
- Helped popularize emo rap and alternative hip-hop
- Built a large international fan community
Awards and Honors
XXXTentacion received several recognitions, including:
- American Music Awards nominations
- Billboard Music Awards nominations
- Platinum and multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA
- Recognition from streaming platforms for record-breaking performance
Works and Productions
Studio Albums
17 (2017)
Features:
- “Jocelyn Flores”
- “Revenge”
- “Carry On”
The album focused heavily on emotional vulnerability and mental health themes.
? (2018)
Features:
- “SAD!”
- “Moonlight”
- “Changes”
The album became his most commercially successful release.
Posthumous Albums
Skins (2018)
Included:
- “Bad!”
- “Guardian Angel”
Bad Vibes Forever (2019)
Included collaborations with:
- Lil Wayne
- Blink-182
- Rick Ross
- Noah Cyrus
Net Worth
XXXTentacion’s exact net worth at the time of his death has not been publicly confirmed.
Public estimates varied widely.
His income came from:
- Music sales
- Streaming royalties
- Concert performances
- Merchandise
- Licensing
Following his death, his music catalog continued generating significant revenue.
Personal Life
XXXTentacion was known for keeping parts of his personal life private while also openly discussing emotional struggles through interviews and music.
He had one son:
- Gekyume Onfroy, born in 2019 after his father’s death.
The name “Gekyume” was created by XXXTentacion and was described by his family as meaning “a different state” or “next universe.”
Legal Issues and Controversies
XXXTentacion faced several legal controversies during his lifetime, including allegations involving domestic violence and other criminal matters.
He denied some allegations and expressed regret for certain past behavior. His legal cases generated significant public debate about separating an artist’s work from accusations surrounding their personal conduct.
This section reflects publicly reported events and does not make independent conclusions beyond verified legal records.
Death
On June 18, 2018, XXXTentacion was fatally shot during an apparent robbery outside a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
He was 20 years old.
Authorities investigated the killing, and multiple individuals were later charged in connection with the case.
His death sparked widespread reactions from fans, fellow musicians, and the wider entertainment industry.
Philanthropy
Before his death, XXXTentacion expressed interest in helping young people and addressing issues such as mental health.
He promoted messages encouraging:
- Self-improvement
- Emotional openness
- Helping others
- Personal growth
Legacy and Influence
XXXTentacion remains one of the defining artists of the SoundCloud generation.
His influence can be seen in the work of many younger artists who blend rap with alternative genres and emotionally personal songwriting.
Despite his short career, he changed how many artists approached vulnerability, genre experimentation, and direct communication with fans.
Interesting Facts
- XXXTentacion’s real name was Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy.
- He was born in Florida in 1998.
- His stage name includes the Spanish word “tentación,” meaning temptation.
- He became famous through SoundCloud.
- His breakout song was “Look At Me!”
- His album ? debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
- “SAD!” became his first No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 song after his death.
- He explored rock, R&B, and alternative music alongside rap.
- He was only 20 years old when he died.
- His music catalog continued achieving major streaming milestones after his death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was XXXTentacion?
XXXTentacion was an American rapper and singer known for emotional songwriting and genre experimentation.
What was XXXTentacion’s real name?
His real name was Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy.
How old was XXXTentacion when he died?
He was 20 years old.
When did XXXTentacion die?
He died on June 18, 2018.
How did XXXTentacion die?
He died from fatal gunshot wounds during a robbery in Florida.
What was XXXTentacion famous for?
He was famous for songs like “SAD!,” “Moonlight,” and “Look At Me!”
What was XXXTentacion’s biggest song?
“SAD!” became his biggest commercial hit.
What albums did XXXTentacion release?
His main albums include 17, ?, Skins, and Bad Vibes Forever.
Was XXXTentacion married?
No publicly confirmed marriage information is available.
Did XXXTentacion have children?
Yes, he had a son named Gekyume Onfroy.
What music genre was XXXTentacion?
His music included hip-hop, emo rap, alternative rap, and R&B.
What is XXXTentacion’s legacy?
He is remembered as a major influence on modern alternative hip-hop.
Where was XXXTentacion born?
Plantation, Florida, United States.
How many albums did XXXTentacion release?
He released two studio albums during his lifetime and two posthumous studio albums.
What record label was XXXTentacion signed to?
He was associated with Bad Vibes Forever, Empire, and Capitol Music Group.
Related Topics
- SoundCloud Rap Movement
- Emo Rap
- Juice WRLD Biography
- Lil Peep Biography
- Florida Hip-Hop Scene
- Modern R&B and Hip-Hop
- Billboard Hot 100 Artists
Suggested Images
- Professional portrait of XXXTentacion
- XXXTentacion performing on stage
- 17 album artwork
- ? album artwork
- XXXTentacion recording music
- Fan memorial after his death
- South Florida music scene photographs
- Award nominations and certifications
Image Alt Text
- “XXXTentacion portrait of American rapper Jahseh Onfroy”
- “XXXTentacion performing live on stage”
- “XXXTentacion 17 album cover”
- “XXXTentacion question mark album artwork”
- “XXXTentacion recording music in studio”
- “Fans honoring XXXTentacion after his death”
Schema Recommendations
Recommended Schema.org types:
- Person
- MusicGroup (if treating as artist entity)
- MusicAlbum
- MusicRecording
- Article
- FAQPage
- BreadcrumbList
- ImageObject
Internal Linking Suggestions
- Top SoundCloud Rappers Who Changed Hip-Hop
- Emo Rap Explained
- Juice WRLD Biography
- Lil Peep Biography
- Biggest Hip-Hop Artists of the 2010s
- Billboard Hot 100 History
- Most Influential Rappers of the Digital Era
External References
Recommended verification sources:
- Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
- Billboard
- Grammy Awards official database
- Billboard Hot 100 archives
- Florida court records
- Official music streaming platforms
- Music label announcements
