XXXTENTACION: The Controversial Voice of Emo Rap

Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, known professionally as XXXTENTACION, was a defining and controversial figure in the late 2010s emo rap and SoundCloud rap movements. Hailing from Broward County, Florida, his posthumous album "Skins" debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in 2018, cementing his commercial impact despite a tragically short career.

Early career

Born in 1998 in Plantation, Florida, Onfroy began releasing music on SoundCloud in 2013 under various names. His raw, aggressive early tracks like "Look at Me!" gained a cult following for their blending of hip-hop, punk, and lo-fi elements. This online buzz led to his first major label involvement with Empire Distribution for his 2017 mixtape "Revenge".

Breakthrough

XXXTENTACION's mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single "Look at Me!" which peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was later certified quadruple platinum. His debut studio album, "17", released under Caroline/Capitol Records, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, showcasing his introspective and melancholic side to a massive audience.

Key tracks

Look at Me! — This viral SoundCloud hit became his commercial breakthrough, defining the abrasive sound of the era.

SAD! — His biggest chart success, this emo-rap ballad reached number one on the Hot 100 posthumously and is certified diamond.

Jocelyn Flores — A deeply personal track from "17" that highlighted his emotional lyricism and connection with a struggling fanbase.

Moonlight — This platinum-certified single from his album "?" showcased his melodic singing and reached the top 20.

Fuck Love — His collaboration with Trippie Redd became a streaming giant and a staple of the emo rap genre.

His second album, "?", debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in 2018 and featured the hit "SAD!". He collaborated with artists like Lil Wayne, Ky-Mani Marley, and blink-182. Following his murder in June 2018, his music experienced a massive surge in streams and chart positions, with several posthumous releases including the number-one album "Skins". His estate later released the album "Bad Vibes Forever" in 2019. Fans of XXXTENTACION's genre-blending style also listen to Lil Uzi Vert for their shared emo and rock influences in hip-hop. Juice WRLD continued the tradition of melodic rap focused on emotional turmoil and addiction. The raw energy of SoundCloud rap can be heard in Smokepurpp, a frequent collaborator from Florida. Trippie Redd shares a similar aesthetic blending rock guitar with melodic, anguished vocals.

XXXTENTACION's catalog remains in heavy rotation on modern hip-hop stations, emo and alternative rap online streams, and dedicated SoundCloud era radio stations. His songs bridge the gap between aggressive trap and vulnerable balladry, making him a staple across multiple radio formats.

The music of XXXTENTACION, a pivotal force in emo rap, continues to resonate with listeners worldwide. You can discover his influential tracks and hear his legacy unfold on the curated radio stations available on onairium.com.