Artists gone too soon: XXXTentacion

Artists have the ability to shape and make tremendous impacts on the music industry and the globe. Unfortunately, however, many artists are taken from us too soon. One artist, Jahseh Onfroy, known as XXXTentacion, is a great demonstration of this.

The controversial artist was incredibly talented at blending different genres. His music is a fusion of rock, punk rock, R&B, and rap, which remains innovative and unique. He was an introspective artist who, through his music, delved deeper into the human psyche and human expressions, addressing themes of depression and anxiety. His vulnerability as an artist resulted in him appealing to his fans, as his music and personality was more accessible due to the feeling of shared emotions. His music portrayed a dichotomy of darkness and hope, mirroring his past and his lived experience.

His versatility, is undeniable, and marks him as a generational artist

Born on 23 January 1998, he was raised by his Jamaican mother in Plantation, Florida. It was here that he was able to create a cult fanbase through his music, starting on SoundCloud. His early work centred on heavy metal, distorted 808, and signature raw vocals – a unique sound. He first gained mainstream attention with ‘Look at Me!’, a song which went viral and amplified his fame. The track and its popularity was felt by other artists, with Drake using the same flow as XXXTentacion in his collaboration with Giggs, ‘KMT’.

XXXTentacion was also known for his frequent collaborations with his best friend Ski Mask the Slump God, as they formed Members Only, through which they released numerous tracks together on Members Only, Vol 1 and similarly on future volumes. He fully transitioned into an R&B artist as represented by songs like ‘Changes’ from his LP ?. His versatility is undeniable and marks him as a generational artist.

Like many artists gone too soon, his legacy remains powerful because he gave so much of himself in such a short time

What resonated with his fans was his authenticity. He was eloquent and articulate about topics such as life, music, and mental health. He used his past experiences, good and bad, to create a canvas with his music. Many artists, such as Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish, have attested to his brilliance. With other releases such as the LP 17, which had seven of its tracks debut on the Billboard Hot 100, it’s undeniable that he had a profound impact on the music industry, resulting in his cultural legacy remaining relevant today.

Jahseh Onfroy was only 20 years old when he was shot and killed in June 2018. His death left a hole in music and the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. He was a young man full of contradictions – but also full of potential. Like many artists gone too soon, his legacy remains powerful because he gave so much of himself in such a short time.

Whether you see him as a misunderstood genius, a deeply flawed artist, or both, there is no denying that XXXTentacion changed music. His voice, vulnerability, and vision still echo today, which is worth remembering.