Rise to Success: Career Highlights of XXXTentacion

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

XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, was a controversial yet influential American rapper and singer-songwriter. He cultivated a devoted young following with music centered on themes of depression and alienation. Known for his versatile musical style, his work spanned genres including emo, trap, rock, hip-hop, R&B, and punk rock. He's considered a key figure in popularizing emo rap and SoundCloud rap, which gained significant mainstream popularity in the latter half of the 2010s. His career was cut short by his death.

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 after the release of his song "News/Flock".

2013: Music Career Launch on SoundCloud

In 2013, XXXTentacion started his music career on SoundCloud after being released from a juvenile detention center. He experimented with unconventional styles and techniques in rap music.

2013: Planned Home Invasions and Transition to Music

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

March 5, 2014: First Song Upload and Mixtape Release

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

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

On April 30, 2014, XXXTentacion released his first 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 EP Release and Removal

On July 11, 2014, an unfinished version of "The Nobody's" EP was released but quickly removed by XXXTentacion.

November 21, 2014: Release of The Fall EP

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

2014: Formation of Members Only collective

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

2015: Joining Very Rare and Starting Members Only

In 2015, XXXTentacion joined Ski Mask the Slump God's group Very Rare before breaking off and starting the Members Only collective.

December 31, 2015: "Look at Me" Upload to SoundCloud

On December 31, 2015, the original version of XXXTentacion's song "Look at Me" was uploaded to the SoundCloud account of its 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", with music heavily inspired by heavy metal and indie music.

October 31, 2016: Delayed Album Release

XXXTentacion's debut independent album, "Bad Vibes Forever", had a slated October 31, 2016, release date but was delayed due to his arrest in early October.

2016: Tablez becomes XXXTentacion's manager

In 2016, Dylan Turner, known as Tablez, became XXXTentacion's manager, agreeing to be paid only through the proceeds from the song "Look at Me!".

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2016: XXXTentacion expresses political views during 2016 election

In 2016, XXXTentacion opposed Donald Trump's presidential candidacy, supporting Bernie Sanders instead. He predicted Trump's victory and expressed negative views on both Trump and Hillary Clinton.

January 28, 2017: Drake previews "KMT"

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

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March 18, 2017: Drake releases More Life mixtape including "KMT"

On March 18, 2017, Drake released the mixtape "More Life," which included the song "KMT." Following his release from jail two weeks later, XXXTentacion responded in an interview calling Drake a "bitch" and expressing that he felt disrespected by "KMT."

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April 2017: XXXTentacion speaks out against missile strike on Syria

In April 2017, XXXTentacion spoke out against President Trump's decision to launch a missile strike on Syria.

April 18, 2017: Release from Prison and New Songs

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

April 28, 2017: Announcement of The Revenge Tour

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

May 16, 2017: Release of 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 The Revenge Tour

On June 24, 2017, XXXTentacion announced the cancellation of the rest of "The Revenge Tour" dates due to his cousin being shot.

June 26, 2017: Release of Members Only, Vol. 3

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

August 9, 2017: Appearance at Kendrick Lamar's Damn Tour

On August 9, 2017, XXXTentacion made his first appearance as an opener for a major act when DRAM brought him out at a concert at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during Kendrick Lamar's Damn Tour.

August 25, 2017: Release of Debut Album 17

On August 25, 2017, XXXTentacion released his debut album, "17". It 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 Album Announcement

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

2017: Debut Album 17 Release

In 2017, XXXTentacion's debut album "17" was released. It is certified triple-platinum in the US and reached number two on the Billboard 200.

2017: "Look at Me" Gaining Traction

In 2017, XXXTentacion's song "Look at Me" gained traction, peaking at number 34 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and in the top 40 of the Canadian Hot 100. His distinctive half-colored hair also drew public attention.

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

On May 10, 2018, Spotify announced they would stop promoting XXXTentacion's music, along with Tay-K and R. Kelly's, but later reversed the decision after pressure from Top Dawg Entertainment.

2018: Second Album ? Release

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

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2018: XXXTentacion reverses stance on gun control after school shooting

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