The tragic death of XXXTentacion, a rising rap star at the young age of 20, continues to resonate in the hearts of fans as they navigate the complexities of his legacy seven years later. Born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, XXXTentacion met his untimely demise in a 2018 robbery outside a Florida motorcycle dealership. The incident unfolded as the rapper was leaving the dealership and was ambushed by two armed suspects who attempted to steal his belongings. In the ensuing struggle, XXXTentacion was fatally shot before the suspects fled with his possessions.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/xxxtentacion1-1-2000-098663992f5f4ef6be5718c558513dab.jpg)
Before his tragic death, XXXTentacion, known for his contributions to the underground hip-hop collective Members Only, was making significant strides as a solo artist. His debut solo album, “17,” reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in 2017, while his second album, “?,” debuted at No. 1 the following year. However, his promising career was marred by troubling legal issues, including allegations of serious crimes such as aggravated battery of a pregnant woman, domestic violence, false imprisonment, and witness tampering.
Four individuals – Dedrick Williams, Michael Boatwright, Trayvon Newsome, and Robert Allen – were charged in connection with XXXTentacion’s murder. The assailants were swift to execute their crime, with one firing multiple shots at the rapper during the robbery. The stolen bag contained $50,000, money that XXXTentacion had withdrawn earlier that day from a bank. The ensuing investigation led to the arrest and indictment of the four men on charges of first-degree murder and armed robbery.
Williams, Boatwright, and Newsome were all sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, with Allen receiving a lesser sentence of seven years behind bars. Allen’s cooperation and testimony against his accomplices played a crucial role in the legal proceedings. While the details of XXXTentacion’s final moments and his last words remain undisclosed, a poignant clip surfaced posthumously, where the rapper expressed his hopes for his legacy to inspire and uplift the youth.
In the aftermath of XXXTentacion’s death, fans worldwide mourned the loss of a promising talent, organizing memorials and tributes to honour his memory. However, his passing was not devoid of controversy, given the shadow cast by his legal troubles. At the time of his demise, XXXTentacion was awaiting trial on serious felony charges related to violence against a pregnant partner. Despite the legal turmoil, his family and legal representatives maintained that he was actively working towards a positive resolution and personal growth before his tragic end.
Additionally, XXXTentacion’s mother later revealed that he had a son, Gekyume Onfroy, born posthumously in early 2019. The rapper had already selected a name for his son, symbolising new beginnings and a continuation of his legacy. As fans continue to grapple with the loss of XXXTentacion and the legacy he left behind, his music and message remain a poignant reminder of the complexities of life and the enduring impact of artistry on society.