Nearly seven years have passed since the tragic death of XXXTentacion, who was shot during an armed robbery in Deerfield Park, Florida, in June 2018, at the young age of 20. Born Jahseh Onfroy, the rapper quickly connected with millions of fans and emerged as a significant figure within the SoundCloud rap scene. His candid discussions surrounding mental health and his struggles with depression resonated deeply with listeners, solidifying his impact on the genre.
X’s commitment to music began in earnest in 2016 when he moved in with fellow Florida artist Denzel Curry. He gained widespread fame in early 2017 with the re-release of his track “Look At Me!” which became a viral sensation on SoundCloud before transitioning to major streaming platforms. The song, produced by Rojas on the Beat and Jimmy Duval, catapulted X’s career; its striking mugshot cover art became iconic across social media. Eventually, “Look At Me!” peaked at No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was recognized as one of Billboard’s Songs That Defined the Decade for the 2010s.
Notably, X even engaged in a public feud with Drake, alleging that his flow was copied on the track “KMT” from Drake’s album “More Life” in 2017. Before his untimely death, XXXTentacion released two studio albums, 17 and ?, establishing himself as a creative force. Following his passing, the single “SAD!” surged to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking X’s first posthumous chart-topping hit.
Despite his undeniable musical talent, XXXTentacion’s legacy is complex, punctuated by numerous legal challenges, including serious charges related to domestic violence and robbery amid others. At the time of his death, he was facing a total of 15 felonies stemming from earlier incidents.
This Thursday, January 23, would have marked XXXTentacion’s 27th birthday. Fans and admirers are left to ponder what further artistic boundaries he might have pushed in his 20s. In tribute, many are revisiting his work, highlighting the ten best songs that showcase his unique blend of melancholy and rage, reflecting the profound impact he left on the music landscape.
The legacy of XXXTentacion remains, serving as a reminder of both his artistic brilliance and the complexities of his life. His journey encourages conversations around mental health and the ramifications of fame in today’s music industry.