photo credit: album cover // Empire
Its been one year since the death of rapper XXXTentacion, real name, Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy. He was shot and killed on June 18, 2018 at the young age of 20.
His death was a tough one for the hip hop community. Even though he was young, he led a huge fan base. His memorial service was a public open casket event held at the BB&T arena in Sunrise, Florida, for all of his fans to come say their last goodbyes. Thousands came from everywhere, waiting in the hot sun for hours to get their turn to see the late rapper. A strict policy was enforced: no video, recoding devices or phones allowed.
X’s third studio album, Skins was released in December 2018, its lead single being “Bad!” With no surprise, the album debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200, making it X’s second number one album. The rapper has been featured on a number of songs since his passing, by artist like Tripe Redd, Ugly God, Sauce Walka, and “Don’t Cry” on Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter V”. The video for the song was released on what would have been X’s 21’s birthday.
Just 7 months after his passing his girlfriend gave brith to his son, Gekyume Onfroy, on January 26, 2019. A name X created for his son.
Since his death, X has sold 22 million records. Winning Best New Hip Hop Artist at the 2018 BET Hip Hop Awards. His album “17” won Favorite Album – Soul/R&B at the 2018 American Music Awards. The same album also winning Top R&B album at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.
All 4 men connected to the killing of X have been arrested and indicted for first-degree murder and armed robbery with a firearm. The case is on-going.
A year ago today we lost X June 18th #RIPXXXTentacion RT for the goat. pic.twitter.com/Jugutk1YcP
— Kyle Massey (@KyleMassey) June 18, 2019
https://twitter.com/275YUNGSIMMIE/status/1140937325536534530
Madness it’s been a year already. Literally heart broken on the day. Pretty much the only rap artist that I honestly and truly loved. Was there from day 1. Your music lives on #xxxtentacion pic.twitter.com/uGmUkbRkeY
— Sun (@SunnyScott10) June 18, 2019
He was always there for us. #LLJ, #XXXTENTACION pic.twitter.com/KHRd2u3hbB
— XXXTENTACION MEMORIAL (@XMemorial) June 11, 2019
Written by Clarke Jones