Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, known professionally as XXXTentacion, was an influential American rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer, born on January 23, 1998, in Plantation, Florida. Despite his controversial life marked by legal troubles and personal struggles, he gained a significant following among the youth for his music that candidly addressed themes of depression and alienation. XXXTentacion was recognized for his musical versatility, blending elements of emo, trap, nu metal, indie rock, lo-fi, hip-hop, R&B, and punk rock, making him a leading figure in the emergence of emo rap and SoundCloud rap during the mid-to-late 2010s.

Raised primarily in Lauderhill, Florida, Onfroy's early life was tumultuous. He began writing music while in a juvenile detention center, and upon his release, he turned to SoundCloud to share his unique sound in 2013. His experimental approach, characterized by heavy guitar-backed instrumentals and a raw emotional depth, quickly attracted attention. In 2014, he co-founded the underground collective Members Only, which played a pivotal role in the burgeoning SoundCloud rap scene. His breakthrough came with the release of the single "Look at Me!" in 2016, which garnered mainstream recognition and established him as a rising star in the music industry.

Onfroy's debut studio album, 17, released in 2017, peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and showcased his ability to connect with listeners through poignant lyrics. His second album, ?, released in 2018, debuted at number one on the charts and solidified his status as a musical powerhouse. The lead single from this album, "Sad!", achieved immense popularity, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and amassing billions of streams across platforms. By February 2024, the track had accumulated over 1.2 billion views on YouTube and was certified diamond by the RIAA in August 2021.

Despite his musical success, Onfroy's life was marred by legal issues, including serious battery charges in 2016. These controversies often overshadowed his artistic contributions, leading to mixed perceptions of his legacy. Supporters argued that his journey reflected themes of redemption and growth, particularly as he attempted to improve his life and engage positively with his fan base.

Tragically, XXXTentacion's life was cut short when he was murdered on June 18, 2018, at the age of 20. He was shot outside a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida, in a robbery that resulted in the theft of a substantial amount of cash. Following his death, four suspects were arrested in connection with the crime, with one pleading guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for testimony against the others. The trial concluded in March 2023 with all remaining defendants found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

In addition to his chart-topping albums, XXXTentacion collaborated with notable artists such as Skrillex, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Travis Barker. His posthumous albums, Skins (2018) and Bad Vibes Forever (2019), further cemented his legacy, with both achieving significant commercial success. To date, XXXTentacion has over 61 million RIAA-certified sales in the US and has received numerous accolades, including an American Music Award, a BET Hip Hop Award, and 11 Billboard Music Award nominations, illustrating his lasting impact on the music industry and his devoted fan base.