XXXTentacion’s real name was Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy. Born on January 23, 1998, he rose to fame as a rapper, singer, and songwriter before his passing on June 18, 2018. Fans often called him “X.”
Few artists have left a mark on the music world as deeply as XXXTentacion. His voice echoed pain, hope, anger, and vulnerability in ways that resonated with millions. But behind the stage name and the fame stood a young man with a real story — one that started with a different name entirely.
In this article, we’ll go deep into the real name of XXXTentacion, what it meant, and the powerful legacy left behind by an artist gone far too soon. We’ll also explore his life, music, death, and ongoing influence. No fluff — just real facts, real history, and real legacy.
XXXTentacion’s Real Name and Its Meaning
XXXTentacion’s real name was Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy.
That name carries more history and personal meaning than most fans realize.
- Jahseh is a variation believed to stem from Hebrew roots, often interpreted as “God sees” or “God’s mercy.”
- Onfroy, his surname, traces to Haitian and French ancestry, reflecting his deep Caribbean roots.
- His full name was chosen by his mother, Cleopatra Bernard, who raised him mostly as a single parent in Florida.
The stage name, however, told a different story — one of mystery, internal struggle, and transformation.
Why “XXXTentacion”? The Meaning Behind the Name
He once explained in interviews that the name was a blend of symbolism and rebellion.
- “XXX” symbolized the unknown, taboo, or things seen as forbidden.
- “Tentación” means “temptation” in Spanish.
- Combined, it reflected his constant battle between light and dark, temptation and purity, pain and peace.
“It just means unknown temptation… It’s not something you’re supposed to fully understand. It’s emotion.” — XXXTentacion, interview quote
That tension defined his music and his identity. His stage name wasn’t just a brand. It was a mirror to his inner world.
The Rise of Jahseh Onfroy to XXXTentacion
Before he was XXXTentacion, Jahseh Onfroy grew up in tough surroundings.
- Born on January 23, 1998, in Plantation, Florida, he had a troubled childhood marked by violence, instability, and frequent relocations.
- He spent time in juvenile detention centers, where he first met fellow artist Ski Mask the Slump God, a key figure in his early music career.
- His music career began not in a studio, but on SoundCloud, where he uploaded tracks from a makeshift mic setup.
Early Influences
- Genres: Punk rock, emo, hip-hop, trap, R&B
- Artists: Tupac Shakur, Nirvana, Papa Roach, and Three Days Grace
He wasn’t confined by genres. His voice shifted from screaming rage to whispering sadness — a reflection of a chaotic but deeply emotional world.
XXXTentacion’s Musical Legacy: A Genre-Bending Icon
Few could box XXXTentacion into one genre.
His music fused emotional vulnerability with raw aggression, creating a sound that became the heartbeat of the SoundCloud rap era.
Notable Albums & Songs
| Album | Release Year | Key Tracks | Chart Position (Billboard 200) |
| 17 | 2017 | “Jocelyn Flores”, “Revenge” | #2 |
| ? | 2018 | “Sad!”, “Moonlight” | #1 |
| Skins (posthumous) | 2018 | “Bad!” | #1 |
| Bad Vibes Forever | 2019 | “Royalty”, “Hearteater” | #5 |
His Top Tracks by Streaming Numbers (Spotify, as of 2025)
- “Sad!” – 2.5+ billion streams
- “Moonlight” – 1.4+ billion
- “Jocelyn Flores” – 1.3+ billion
- “Look at Me!” – 1.2+ billion
These numbers show more than popularity. They show staying power.
XXXTentacion’s Age and Career Timeline
Despite his young age, he left a deep legacy in a short time.
| Age | Year | Major Milestone |
| 16 | 2014 | First SoundCloud tracks released |
| 18 | 2016 | Released Look at Me! — went viral |
| 19 | 2017 | Released 17, gained mainstream attention |
| 20 | 2018 | Released ? album, reached #1 |
| 20 | June 2018 | Tragically shot and killed |
He was only 20 years old when he died — but he’d already changed the game.
XXXTentacion Cause of Death: The Tragedy That Shook the World
On June 18, 2018, XXXTentacion was fatally shot during a robbery in Deerfield Beach, Florida, outside a motorcycle dealership.
Details of the Incident
- He was ambushed by two armed men, who stole a Louis Vuitton bag containing $50,000 in cash.
- He was shot multiple times in his vehicle.
- He was pronounced dead at Broward Health North Hospital.
Legal Proceedings
- Four suspects were arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery.
- In March 2023, Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome were all convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
His death sent shockwaves through the music industry and sparked global mourning.
XXXTentacion’s Son: Gekyume Onfroy
Just three days after what would’ve been Jahseh’s 21st birthday, Gekyume Onfroy was born — a son he never got to meet.
About Gekyume
- Born: January 26, 2019
- Mother: Jenesis Sanchez
- Name meaning: A term XXXTentacion created himself, symbolizing “a higher plane of existence or next universe.“
“Gekyume is a word he made up to represent evolution… to be different.” — Cleopatra Bernard
Gekyume has since become a symbol of XXXTentacion’s legacy continuing through life, not just music.
New XXXTentacion Music: The Posthumous Releases
Though he passed in 2018, new music didn’t stop.
Posthumous Albums
- Skins (2018) – released just months after his death.
- Bad Vibes Forever (2019) – a collaborative project, showcasing unreleased tracks and guest features.
Unreleased Material & Leaks
- His estate holds hundreds of unreleased songs and demos.
- Some tracks have leaked online, but the estate has selectively released official versions.
His mother manages his legacy to ensure his work is shared respectfully and authentically.
The www.xxxtentacion Video Search Trend Explained
The term “www.xxxtentacion video” often pops up in search engines. Why?
Because fans frequently search for:
- His viral music videos, especially Look at Me! and Sad!
- Fan tribute montages
- Documentary clips and interviews
Recommended Official Videos
Legacy of “Look at Me!” and “Sad!”
These two tracks defined his career — for very different reasons.
“Look at Me!” (2015)
- Punk-influenced, distorted energy
- Shocked traditional hip-hop listeners
- Became the anthem of the SoundCloud movement
“Sad!” (2018)
- Emotional lyrics about depression, loss, and love
- Reached #1 on Billboard Hot 100 after his death
- Most-streamed rap song on Spotify in 2018
XXXTentacion in Media: Documentaries and Articles
His life has been extensively covered in media — both praised and criticized.
Recommended Reads
- Rolling Stone Profile
- XXL Magazine Feature
- Genius Lyrics Profile
Notable Documentary
- “Look at Me: XXXTentacion” (2022) — Hulu
- Offers intimate interviews, rare footage, and honest discussions about his controversies and contributions.
Cultural Impact: More Than Music
XXXTentacion left behind more than just hits. He started a movement.
His Influence Shows In:
- Mental health awareness among youth
- Tattoos, fashion, and visual identity
- Independent artists breaking through via streaming
- Artists like Juice WRLD, Trippie Redd, and Lil Peep citing him as an influence
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Jahseh Onfroy
Behind XXXTentacion’s fame was Jahseh Onfroy, a young man who battled demons, inspired a generation, and changed music forever.
His real name may not be printed on platinum plaques, but it’s engraved in the hearts of those who saw him as more than a rapper — as a voice for the voiceless.
His story isn’t just about death. It’s about evolution, emotion, and impact.
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