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

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 28, 2025

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

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 27, 2018: Open casket service held for XXXTentacion

On June 27, 2018, an open casket service was held for XXXTentacion at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, where fans were allowed to pay their respects.

June 28, 2018: Private funeral held for XXXTentacion

On June 28, 2018, XXXTentacion's private funeral took place, with attendees including rappers Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty and singer Erykah Badu. He was later entombed in a mausoleum.

2018: Posthumous Album Release and Awards

Since XXXTentacion's death, he has won an American Music Award and a BET Hip Hop Award and received 11 Billboard Music Award nominations. His posthumous album, "Skins", was released in 2018 and became his second number-one album on the Billboard 200.

January 26, 2019: XXXTentacion's son is born

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 to obtain a DNA sample from XXXTentacion to prove the paternity of her son. A Florida judge granted access to the sample.

June 18, 2019: Official documentary on XXXTentacion's life announced

On June 18, 2019, the one-year anniversary of XXXTentacion's death, an official documentary on his life was announced, including footage of him from around April 2017.

2019: Geneva Ayala appears in "Hearteater" music video

In 2019, Geneva Ayala, XXXTentacion's ex-girlfriend, appeared in the music video and cover art for the single "Hearteater", following his death.

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2019: Bad Vibes Forever Album Release

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

October 2020: XXXTentacion recognized for digital sales

As of October 2020, XXXTentacion was recognized as one of the Top-20 all-time best-selling artists in terms of digital singles, with a total of 49 million RIAA-certified digital sales.

2020: Dispute over XXXTentacion's time in youth detention

In 2020, sources interviewed for a biography disputed XXXTentacion's narrative of his time in youth detention, suggesting a shorter detention period.

2020: Criticism of media's portrayal of XXXTentacion in a biography

In his 2020 biography of XXXTentacion, Jonathan Reiss criticized the media's negative portrayal of XXXTentacion, emphasizing the potential for redemption and second chances in evaluating his legacy.

August 2021: "Sad!" certified Diamond in the US

In August 2021, XXXTentacion's single, "Sad!", was certified Diamond in the US.

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February 2, 2022: Release date announced for the "Look At Me" documentary

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

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2022: Media reflections on XXXTentacion's legacy

In 2022, various media outlets, including Rolling Stone and Variety, reflected on XXXTentacion's legacy, acknowledging his musical impact and influence while also addressing the controversies surrounding his past actions. Variety stated he "nearly became rap's own Kurt Cobain"

July 2023: YouGov polling reveals XXXTentacion's public perception

According to YouGov polling as of July 2023, a majority of Americans had heard of XXXTentacion. Of those, 56 percent held a positive opinion and 19 percent held a negative opinion. His fame and popularity were highest among Millennials and Generation Z.

February 2024: XXXTentacion's last Instagram post ranks among most-liked

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