Lasting Legacy of XXXTentacion: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of XXXTentacion continue to shape the world today.

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

2017: XXXTentacion Clarifies Comments

In a 2017 interview with The Fader, XXXTentacion mentioned he should have been clearer about his fight with his gay cellmate, clarifying he didn't attack him for being gay. He called his discussion of the topic "negligent and stupid".

June 27, 2018: Open Casket Service for XXXTentacion

On June 27, 2018, an open casket service for XXXTentacion took place at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, allowing fans to pay their respects.

June 28, 2018: Private Funeral for XXXTentacion

On June 28, 2018, XXXTentacion's private funeral was held, attended by rappers Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty and singer Erykah Badu. He was entombed in a mausoleum at Gardens of Boca Raton Memorial Park, Boca Raton, Florida.

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.

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 father's 21st birthday.

May 15, 2019: Sanchez Wins Legal Battle for DNA Sample

On May 15, 2019, Jenesis Sanchez won the legal battle, and a Florida judge granted access to a DNA sample from XXXTentacion to prove paternity of her son.

June 18, 2019: Announcement of Official Documentary on XXXTentacion

On June 18, 2019, exactly one year after XXXTentacion's death, an official documentary on his life was announced.

2019: Posthumous Album Release: Bad Vibes Forever

In 2019, after his death, XXXTentacion's album, Bad Vibes Forever, was released and entered the top 5 on the Billboard 200.

2020: Disputes arise over XXXTentacion's narrative of youth detention

In 2020, sources interviewed for a biography disputed XXXTentacion's narrative of his time in youth detention, suggesting that he may have served less time and that the charges are unconfirmed.

2020: Jonathan Reiss's Biography of XXXTentacion

In his 2020 biography of XXXTentacion, Jonathan Reiss criticized the media's portrayal of the artist and suggested that he may have taken responsibility for his actions had he lived longer.

February 2, 2022: Release Date of 'Look at Me' Documentary Announced

On February 2, 2022, it was announced that the XXXTentacion documentary, titled "Look at Me", would be released on Hulu on May 26, 2022.

2022: Rolling Stone and Variety on XXXTentacion's Legacy

In a 2022 article, Rolling Stone opined that XXXTentacion's success was overshadowed by his alleged violence, but his impact on music would be felt for years. Variety described him as "nearly rap's own Kurt Cobain" and noted the heartbreaking nature of his death as he began to show positive changes.

July 2023: YouGov Polling on XXXTentacion's Popularity

According to YouGov polling as of July 2023, a majority of Americans have heard of XXXTentacion, with a plurality viewing him positively, especially among Millennials and Generation Z.

February 2024: XXXTentacion's Last Instagram Post

As of February 2024, XXXTentacion's last Instagram post before his death holds the record of the 11th most-liked Instagram post of all-time with 32.5 million likes.