Rise to Success: Career Highlights of XXXTentacion

Discover the career path of XXXTentacion, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, known as XXXTentacion, was a controversial yet influential American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Despite his short career, he developed a significant cult following, particularly among young fans, for his music centered around themes of depression and alienation. Noted for his musical versatility, XXXTentacion's work spanned genres including emo, trap, rock, hip-hop, and R&B. He is considered a key figure in the rise of emo rap and SoundCloud rap, which gained mainstream popularity in the late 2010s.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

June 2013: Release of "News/Flock"

In June 2013, XXXTentacion's career as a music artist began with the release of his song "News/Flock".

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2013: Started Music Career on SoundCloud

In 2013, XXXTentacion started his music career on SoundCloud after being released from a juvenile detention center, employing unconventional styles and techniques.

2013: Home Invasions and Music

In 2013, after his release from juvenile detention, XXXTentacion and Goulbourne planned to commit home invasions, but XXXTentacion eventually bought a microphone and began recording music.

March 5, 2014: Release of "Vice City" and XXX (Unmastered)

On March 5, 2014, XXXTentacion uploaded his first non-deleted song, "Vice City", on SoundCloud, included on his debut mixtape XXX (Unmastered).

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April 30, 2014: Release of E.motion and XXX EPs

On April 30, 2014, XXXTentacion released his first two official extended plays (EPs), called E.motion and XXX, alongside the original version of the song "Ecstasy".

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July 11, 2014: Unfinished Version of The Nobody's Released

On July 11, 2014, an unfinished version of The Nobody's was released but quickly removed as XXXTentacion wanted to continue working on it.

November 21, 2014: Release of The Fall EP

On November 21, 2014, XXXTentacion released The Fall EP.

2014: Formed Members Only Collective

In 2014, XXXTentacion formed the underground collective Members Only, becoming a popular figure in SoundCloud rap.

2015: Started Members Only Collective

In 2015, XXXTentacion started the Members Only collective after being part of Ski Mask the Slump God's group Very Rare.

December 31, 2015: Original Version of "Look at Me" Uploaded

On December 31, 2015, the original version of XXXTentacion's song "Look at Me" was uploaded to the SoundCloud account of the song's co-producer, Rojas.

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April 28, 2016: Release of Willy Wonka Was a Child Murderer EP

On April 28, 2016, XXXTentacion released the EP Willy Wonka Was a Child Murderer, which was heavily inspired by heavy metal and indie music.

October 31, 2016: Bad Vibes Forever Album Delayed

On October 31, 2016, XXXTentacion's debut independent album, Bad Vibes Forever, missed its slated release date due to his arrest earlier that month.

2016: Tablez manages XXXTentacion and Ski Mask the Slump God

In 2016, Dylan Turner, known as Tablez, became the manager for XXXTentacion and Ski Mask the Slump God, agreeing to be paid only through the proceeds from the song "Look at Me!".

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January 28, 2017: Drake previews "KMT", sparking comparisons to XXXTentacion

On January 28, 2017, Drake previewed a new track titled "KMT", which was quickly compared to XXXTentacion's song "Look at Me" due to the similar triplet-heavy flow. It was also noted that Drake followed XXXTentacion on Twitter.

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March 18, 2017: Drake releases "KMT" on More Life mixtape, XXXTentacion responds

On March 18, 2017, Drake released the mixtape More Life, which included the track "KMT". Shortly after, XXXTentacion, after being released from jail, publicly criticized Drake, calling him a "bitch" and expressing feeling disrespected by "KMT". He then posted a picture of Drake's mother on Twitter.

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April 2017: Footage of XXXTentacion Telling Biographical Details

Around April 2017, footage was recorded of XXXTentacion telling biographical details, which would later be featured in an official documentary about his life.

April 18, 2017: Release of Songs and Album Announcement

After being released from prison on April 18, 2017, XXXTentacion released three songs on SoundCloud and announced that he was working on the studio albums Bad Vibes and 17, as well as a mixtape called I Need Jesus.

April 28, 2017: Announced "The Revenge Tour"

On April 28, 2017, XXXTentacion announced his first nationwide tour titled "The Revenge Tour" which had 26 tour dates.

May 16, 2017: Released Revenge Mixtape

On May 16, 2017, XXXTentacion released his debut commercial solo mixtape, Revenge, consisting of eight previously released songs.

June 24, 2017: Cancellation of Revenge Tour Dates

On June 24, 2017, XXXTentacion announced the cancellation of the remaining dates for "The Revenge Tour" due to his cousin being shot, although the final tour date in Broward County, Florida, still went ahead.

June 26, 2017: Released Members Only, Vol. 3

On June 26, 2017, XXXTentacion released the collaborative mixtape, Members Only, Vol. 3, with Members Only.

August 9, 2017: Opened for Kendrick Lamar

On August 9, 2017, XXXTentacion opened for Kendrick Lamar at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during Kendrick Lamar's Damn Tour.

August 25, 2017: Released Debut Album 17

On August 25, 2017, XXXTentacion released his debut album, 17, which debuted at number 2 on the US Billboard 200, selling 86,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.

September 3, 2017: Bad Vibes Forever Still in Production

On September 3, 2017, XXXTentacion announced that Bad Vibes Forever, his second album, was still in production.

2017: Debut Album 17

In 2017, XXXTentacion released his debut album, 17, which reached number two on the Billboard 200 and is certified triple-platinum in the US.

2017: Named to XXL's "2017 Freshman Class"

In 2017, XXXTentacion was named as the tenth pick on XXL's "2017 Freshman Class".

2017: "Look at Me" Gained Traction

In 2017, XXXTentacion's "Look at Me" gained traction, peaking at number 34 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the top 40 of the Canadian Hot 100.

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May 10, 2018: Spotify stops promoting XXXTentacion's music, later reverses decision

On May 10, 2018, Spotify announced that it would stop promoting XXXTentacion's music due to his behavior, but later reversed the decision after criticism and threats of removal of music from Top Dawg Entertainment.

2018: Second Album ? Debuts at Number One

In 2018, XXXTentacion's second album, ?, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and is certified quintuple-platinum in the US. The lead single, "Sad!", posthumously reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

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2018: Posthumous Album Release: Skins

In 2018, after his death, XXXTentacion's album, Skins, was released and became his second number-one album on the Billboard 200.

2018: XXXTentacion Reverses Stance on Gun Control

In 2018, following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, XXXTentacion reversed his previous stance on gun control and held charity events for the March for Our Lives movement and visited survivor Anthony Borges in the hospital.