XXXTentacion

Origin

Plantation, FL

Years active

2013–2018

Genres

emo rap, trap metal, hip hop, indie rock, lo-fi, R&B, punk rock, nu metal, grunge, SoundCloud rap

Biography

Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy (January 23, 1998 – June 18, 2018), professionally known as XXXTentacion, was an American rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer. Though a controversial figure due to his widely publicized legal troubles, XXXTentacion gained a cult following among his young fan base during his short career with his depression and alienation-themed music. Critics and audiences often credit him for his musical versatility, with his music exploring emo, trap, trap metal, nu metal, indie rock, lo-fi, hip-hop, R&B, and punk rock.

He was considered to be a leading figure in the establishment of the emo rap and SoundCloud rap genres, which garnered mainstream attention during the mid-to-late 2010s. Onfroy began writing music after being released from a juvenile detention center and started his music career on SoundCloud in 2013, employing styles and techniques that were considered unconventional in rap music such as distortion and heavy guitar-backed instrumentals, drawing inspiration from third-wave emo and grunge. In 2014, he formed the underground collective Members Only and, alongside other members of the collective, soon became a popular figure in SoundCloud rap, a trap music scene that takes elements of lo-fi music and harsh 808s.

XXXTentacion's music defied easy categorization, blending elements of hip-hop, emo, punk rock, and even heavy metal. His versatility was his superpower, and it's why his music continues to speak to so many. His ability to tap into themes of depression, alienation, and redemption resonated deeply with fans, creating a connection that transcended genres. In the years after his death, Onfroy's musical style would later go on to influence the development of rage music.