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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Music Box • Musician

XXXTentacion

XXXTentacion was the stage name of Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, an American rapper and singer-songwriter from Florida.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

XXXTentacion was the stage name of Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, an American rapper and singer-songwriter. His brief but highly influential career was cut short when he was killed at age 20 in 2018.

What it is

XXXTentacion was the professional name of Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, an American rapper and singer-songwriter from Florida. He became a central figure in the SoundCloud rap and emo rap movements of the mid-2010s, known for his eclectic style and controversial public persona.

Key details

On June 18, 2018, XXXTentacion was shot and killed outside RIVA Motorsports in Deerfield Beach, Florida, during what authorities described as a robbery. Michael Boatwright was identified as the main shooter, and he, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome were later convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery.

Why it matters

Despite his death at age 20, XXXTentacion's music continued to achieve major commercial success. His single 'Sad!' reached number one in the United States, and his posthumous album *Skins* also topped the album chart. His work remains a significant reference point in late-2010s hip hop and alternative music, frequently appearing alongside mainstream pop acts like Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter on global streaming charts.

In short

  • Real name Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, born January 23, 1998.
  • Shot and killed on June 18, 2018, during a robbery in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
  • Three men—Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome—were convicted in his death.
  • Posthumous single 'Sad!' and album *Skins* both reached number one in the U.S.
Canadian angle

XXXTentacion had substantial international streaming and chart presence, and Canadian readers may know him through global hip hop coverage and posthumous releases.

Quick questions

Who killed XXXTentacion?
Authorities identified Michael Boatwright as the main shooter. Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome were convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery.
What was XXXTentacion's real name?
His real name was Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy.
What are some of XXXTentacion's most famous songs?
His biggest hit was 'Sad!', which reached number one after his death. Other widely known songs include 'Moonlight' and 'Look at Me!'

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_XXXTentacion
    Supports: Real name, age, date and circumstances of death, and identification of Michael Boatwright as the shooter.
  2. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/20/arts/music/xxxtentacion-murder-verdict.html
    Supports: Convictions of Boatwright, Newsome, and Williams in connection with the murder.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-65212838
    Supports: Real name, age at death, robbery context, and posthumous chart success of 'Sad!' and 'Skins'.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44896804
    Supports: Real name, age, death circumstances, and initial reporting on the murder investigation.