An overview of the childhood and early education of XXXTentacion, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, was a prominent American rapper and singer-songwriter. Despite controversies surrounding his legal issues, he cultivated a dedicated young fan base through his music, characterized by themes of depression and alienation. Known for his musical versatility, XXXTentacion's work spanned genres including emo, trap, indie rock, and punk rock. He is recognized as a key figure in the development of emo rap and SoundCloud rap, genres that achieved mainstream popularity in the late 2010s, solidifying his impact on contemporary music.
January 23, 1998: XXXTentacion's Birth
On January 23, 1998, Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, known as XXXTentacion, was born in Plantation, Florida. He would later become a controversial but influential figure in the emo rap and SoundCloud rap genres.
Share
2008: Father's Imprisonment
In early 2008, when XXXTentacion was ten years old, his father was jailed for nine years in Arizona on RICO charges after a DEA sting operation.
Share
2012: Arrested for Marijuana Possession
In 2012, XXXTentacion was arrested for possession of 21 grams of marijuana and was sentenced to one month of juvenile detention and six months at a behavioral correction facility.
Share
2013: Music Career Start
In 2013, XXXTentacion started his music career on SoundCloud after being released from a juvenile detention center, utilizing unconventional styles and techniques inspired by emo and grunge.
Share
2013: Video Surfaces of XXXTentacion Hitting a Girl
In 2013, a Snapchat video surfaced of XXXTentacion hitting a girl named Breonna Starling when he was 15. His attorneys claimed the video was "obviously . . . in jest".
Share
2013: Post-Detention Reunion with Goulbourne
In 2013, following his release from juvenile detention, XXXTentacion reunited with Stokeley Goulbourne with intentions of committing home invasions, but he chose to pursue music instead.
Share
November 2014: Met Geneva Ayala
In November 2014, XXXTentacion, whose real name was Jahseh Onfroy, met Geneva Ayala. Onfroy contacted Ayala, offering to confront her boyfriend, who had allegedly posted nude photos of her without her consent.
Share
2014: Formation of Members Only
In 2014, XXXTentacion formed the underground collective Members Only, becoming a popular figure in SoundCloud rap.
Share
2014: Sent to Youth Detention Center on Gun Possession Charges
In 2014, XXXTentacion was sent to a youth detention center for a year on gun possession charges. There were discussions about trying him as an adult, potentially leading to a 5–10 year prison sentence.
Share
June 22, 2015: XXXTentacion begins using his YouTube channel for gaming videos and vlogs
On June 22, 2015, XXXTentacion began using his YouTube channel, previously used for music, to upload gaming videos and vlogs, expanding his content creation.
Share
August 2015: Attempted Suicide
In August 2015, XXXTentacion attempted to commit suicide by running into incoming traffic. He was hospitalized for his injuries and fined $86.50 for the incident.
Share
October 30, 2015: Father's Release
On October 30, 2015, XXXTentacion's father was released from BOP custody.
Share
November 2015: Commits Robbery, Assault, and Home Invasion
In November 2015, XXXTentacion, along with three others, entered Che Thomas' home armed with a firearm, pistol-whipped Thomas three times, and stole an iPad, an iPhone, a Sony PlayStation Portable, and $20.
Share
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.
Share
April 2016: Adam22 interview
In April 2016, XXXTentacion gave an interview to Adam22, where he discussed attacking his gay cellmate while in juvenile detention. This interview led to characterizations of him as homophobic, although he later clarified that he is not homophobic and supports gay marriage.
Share
July 14, 2016: Arrested for Robbery, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Home Invasion
On July 14, 2016, XXXTentacion was arrested for robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and home invasion. This was for a crime that happened in November 2015. He had been bailed for stabbing Tablez a few days prior.
Share
July 2016: Arrest for Robbery and Assault
In July 2016, XXXTentacion was arrested and charged with robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
Share
September 2016: Released on $10,000 Bond
In September 2016, XXXTentacion was released on a $10,000 bond. He was later sentenced to six years probation, and Thomas requested that XXXTentacion not receive prison time.
Share
October 8, 2016: XXXTentacion Arrest
On October 8, 2016, XXXTentacion was arrested. Secretly recorded audio of XXXTentacion talking with acquaintances around the time of this arrest was later released by Pitchfork on October 23, 2018.
Share
October 26, 2016: Audio Clip Posted on Instagram
On the afternoon of October 26, 2016, XXXTentacion told a woman, "I already got what I wanted, I already bashed her face—her face on the internet, bruh, I done made her look bad on the internet, bruh." Later that day, an audio clip from the call was posted on Instagram of Onfroy saying he "bashed her face" without the hurried clarification.
Share
2016: Ayala moves in with Onfroy
In 2016, Geneva Ayala moved in with XXXTentacion and his roommates, marking a significant step in their relationship.
Share
2016: Political views during 2016 election
In 2016, XXXTentacion expressed his political views during the presidential election, opposing Donald Trump and signaling support for Bernie Sanders. He predicted Trump's victory and voiced concerns about the impact on minorities and the lower classes.
Share
2016: Involuntarily Hospitalized Under Baker Act
In 2016, XXXTentacion was involuntarily hospitalized under Florida's Baker Act after Ayala and XXXTentacion's roommates reported to police that he had attempted suicide.
Share
March 26, 2017: XXXTentacion Announces Surprise Concert, Riot Breaks Out
On March 26, 2017, after being released from jail, XXXTentacion announced a surprise concert set for April 7 in Miami. The show had a low admission price, but before he arrived, a riot broke out, leading police to shut it down.
Share
April 2017: Documentary footage
Around April 2017, XXXTentacion recorded footage of himself detailing biographical information, which was later used in an official documentary about his life.
Share
April 2017: Opposition to missile strike on Syria
In April 2017, XXXTentacion voiced his opposition to President Trump's decision to launch a missile strike on Syria.
Share
April 18, 2017: Release from Prison
On April 18, 2017, XXXTentacion was released from prison and subsequently released three more songs on SoundCloud.
Share
May 2017: Domestic Violence Trial Date
In May 2017, XXXTentacion's trial for domestic violence and witness tampering charges was originally set to take place but was pushed back multiple times.
Share
May 31, 2017: Wifisfuneral Assaulted at Revenge Tour Show in Houston
On May 31, 2017, at the first show of the Revenge Tour in Houston, Wifisfuneral, a member of XXXTentacion's Members Only collective, was assaulted after stage-diving into the audience. Audience members kicked him and then left the venue.
Share
June 2017: Physical Altercation at San Diego Concert
In June 2017, a physical altercation occurred at XXXTentacion's concert in San Diego, leading to XXXTentacion being knocked unconscious and an audience member being stabbed. The assailant was reported to be an associate of rapper Rob Stone.
Share
June 16, 2017: XXXTentacion Punches Audience Member at Concert
On June 16, 2017, XXXTentacion punched an audience member during a concert at the Complex in Salt Lake City, Utah. He claimed it was in self-defense after warning the audience not to touch him.
Share
August 24, 2017: XXXTentacion uploads a controversial suicide depiction to Instagram
On August 24, 2017, a day before the release of his debut album, 17, XXXTentacion uploaded a video to Instagram depicting the act of suicide by hanging, later clarifying it was part of a music video.
Share
September 2, 2017: Free Concert Canceled Due to Overcrowding, Near-Riot Ensues
On September 2, 2017, a free concert announced to take place in Tampa, Florida, was canceled due to over 3,000 attendees appearing at a venue with only 750 capacity. This led to a near-riot and police intervention.
Share
September 8, 2017: Alleged Victim's Testimony Leaked, Trial Delayed
On September 8, 2017, Pitchfork leaked the testimony of the alleged victim in XXXTentacion's case, leading to another delay in the trial, which was rescheduled for December 11, 2017.
Share
October 5, 2017: Domestic Violence Trial Date Set
The domestic violence and witness tampering trial, for which XXXTentacion was arrested in October of the previous year, was set to take place on October 5, 2017, after being pushed back several times from the original May 2017 date.
Share
October 2017: XXXTentacion and Rob Stone Resolve Feud
In October 2017, XXXTentacion and Rob Stone resolved their feud after a prior altercation at a concert in San Diego in June. They had a conversation to settle their differences.
Share
October 19, 2017: Distribution Deal with Caroline
On October 19, 2017, XXXTentacion's label, Bad Vibes Forever, signed a distribution deal with Capitol Music Group subsidiary, Caroline.
Share
October 21, 2017: Brawl at Rolling Loud Festival
On October 21, 2017, XXXTentacion was involved in a brawl with a fan during California's Rolling Loud Festival. He claimed it was purely self-defense.
Share
October 25, 2017: Termination of Caroline Contract
On October 25, 2017, XXXTentacion announced he was terminating his contract with Caroline.
Share
November 2017: Purchased Parkland Mansion
In November 2017, XXXTentacion purchased a 6,000-square-foot (560 m2) mansion in Parkland for US$1.4 million.
Share
December 10, 2017: Posts Court Information on Instagram
On December 10, 2017, XXXTentacion posted a message to Instagram with his court information, saying that he apologizes to everyone he let down if he is taken into custody.
Share
December 14, 2017: XXXTentacion Pleads Not Guilty, Taken into Custody
On December 14, 2017, XXXTentacion pleaded not guilty and was taken into pretrial custody after the prosecution filed a motion based on him violating his bond.
Share
December 15, 2017: New Trial Date Announced
On December 15, 2017, a new trial date was announced in XXXTentacion's case following an affidavit from his ex-girlfriend asking for the charges to be dropped. Additional witness tampering charges were filed against him.
Share
December 20, 2017: Released on House Arrest
On December 20, 2017, it was confirmed that XXXTentacion was being released on house arrest.
Share
2017: Interview on The Beat
In a 2017 interview on The Beat, XXXTentacion stated that he had Syrian, Indian, and possibly Italian ancestry.
Share
2017: Frustration over Eric Garner case
In a 2017 interview, XXXTentacion expressed frustration that the officer who killed Eric Garner was not arrested.
Share
2017: Clarification on the 2016 interview
In a 2017 interview, XXXTentacion stated he should have been clearer in the podcast about the fight he had, stating he wished he had clarified that he did not attack his cellmate for the fact that he was gay, calling his discussion of the topic "negligent and stupid".
Share
2017: Interview on Father Relationship
In a 2017 interview, when asked about his relationship with his father, XXXTentacion sarcastically asked, "What's a father?"
Share
2017: Relationship with Jenesis Sanchez
On New Year's Eve 2017, XXXTentacion began a relationship with Jenesis Sanchez, which evolved into a domestic partnership. According to Sanchez, XXXTentacion demonstrated improved anger management and would remove himself from arguments to avoid physical altercations.
Share
February 2018: Announced Return to School
In February 2018, XXXTentacion posted on Instagram that he was preparing to return to school.
Share
February 21, 2018: XXXTentacion releases "Hope" dedicated to Stoneman Douglas High School shooting victims
On February 21, 2018, XXXTentacion released the song "Hope" on SoundCloud, as a dedication to the victims of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Share
March 2018: Announced GED Completion and Community College Plans
In March 2018, XXXTentacion announced that he was getting his GED, which he completed according to his death certificate, and was planning to go to community college.
Share
March 21, 2018: Released from House Arrest
On March 21, 2018, XXXTentacion was released from house arrest.
Share
June 18, 2018: XXXTentacion's Death
On June 18, 2018, XXXTentacion was murdered. This event marked the end of his short but impactful career.
Share
August 22, 2018: Baby's gender revealed
On August 22, 2018, it was confirmed that Jenesis Sanchez, XXXTentacion's partner, was expecting a boy.
Share
October 23, 2018: Secretly Recorded Audio Released
On October 23, 2018, Pitchfork released secretly recorded audio of XXXTentacion talking with acquaintances around the time of his October 8, 2016, arrest. The audio was considered a confession by the prosecution and defense.
Share
2018: Reversed stance on gun control
In 2018, following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, XXXTentacion reversed his stance on gun control. He then held multiple charity events for the March for Our Lives movement and visited Parkland survivor Anthony Borges in the hospital.
Share
January 26, 2019: Birth of XXXTentacion's son
On January 26, 2019, XXXTentacion's son was born, three days after what would have been his 21st birthday.
Share
2019: Jail Calls Released
In 2019, documents and audio of phone calls that XXXTentacion made to his mother from jail were released. In them, he claimed his ex-girlfriend might not have been pregnant and that it was his female friends who beat Ayala.
Share
2020: Disputes Arise Over Youth Detention Narrative
In 2020, a biography disputed XXXTentacion's narrative of his time in youth detention in 2014, suggesting that he may have served only one month's detention as part of a wider sentence of less than one year.
Share
2020: Support from transgender community
In a 2020 biography, multiple transgender artists stated that XXXTentacion was supportive of the transgender community, contradicting claims of homophobia.
Share
2020: Conflicting Narratives on Meeting Ski Mask the Slump God
Some sources interviewed for a 2020 biography dispute the narrative that XXXTentacion met Ski Mask the Slump God in juvenile detention, claiming they met at high school.
Share
May 26, 2022: XXXTentacion documentary "Look at Me" released on Hulu
On May 26, 2022, the documentary about XXXTentacion, titled Look at Me, was released on Hulu.
Share
November 2022: Release of the 2017 interview
In November 2022, a 2017 interview with The Fader was released where XXXTentacion stated he should have been clearer in the podcast about the fight he had.
Share