Rap artist Jahseh Onfroy, known as XXXTentacion, passed away at 20-years-old on Monday due to a gunshot wound.
He was shot by two masked men in a dark colored SUV as he left a motorcycle shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, NME reports. Later than night, he died in the hospital.
“In deference of his family, friends and loved ones and in light of further investigation, we ask that their privacy is respected at this time,” AKW PR said in an official statement. “XXXTentacion touched the lives of millions around the globe and will forever reside in the hearts of countless fans who listened to his music, attended his concerts, and felt the glow of his uncontainable, undeniable, and unique spirit.”
Check out the full statement below.
AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING XXXTENTACION pic.twitter.com/bxMOPx2yTB
— A|K|W PR (@AKWPR) June 19, 2018
Many rumors began circulating yesterday involving XXXTentacion’s death. Rappers Soldier Kidd and Soldier Jojo denied their involvement in the murder. Kidd sent condolences to XXXTentacion’s family and Jojo claimed that they “respect everybody.”
“We ain’t with none of that shit man, I respect that man for who he is, and RIP to that man,” Jojo said.
In addition to the rumors, an old video had resurfaced online where XXXTentacion told his fans that he was still alive. The video said that his “death” was just part of a music video. When the video was shared on social media channels yesterday, fans were confused about what actually happened. It was confirmed that this video was from 2017.
Onfroy was charged in 2016 with aggravated battery of a pregnant woman, domestic battery, false imprisonment, and witness tampering. He was released from prison last year and placed on strict house arrest conditions after an ex-girlfriend dismissed a previous claim for domestic abuse. Last month, he dropped a defamation lawsuit against a woman who he allegedly hit in the head.
Despite his troubled past and legal history, the young rapper gained a cult-like following. His emo-esque rap music was raw and offered a look inside of his mind. Earlier this year, he released his second studio-album ?, following his debut LP 17, which dropped last year. He was known for his original tracks on SoundCloud, along with the single “Look at Me!,” his first to debut on the Billboard Hot 100 last year.
