The question “What Is XXXTentacion Real Name?” has been searched millions of times since the Florida rapper tragically passed away in 2018. Known professionally as XXXTentacion, this American rapper, singer-songwriter, and cultural icon was born as Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything about Jahseh Onfroy—from his early life in Plantation, Florida to his lasting impact on modern hip-hop in 2025.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: XXXTentacion’s Birth Name
XXXTentacion’s real name was Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy. This controversial rapper, better known as XXXTentacion, was born January 23, 1998, in Plantation, Florida, and died June 18, 2018, in Deerfield Beach, Florida, at just 20 years old.
Quick Facts About Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy |
| Stage Name | XXXTentacion (also styled as XXXTENTACION) |
| Nickname | X, Triple X, Young Dagger Dick |
| Birth Date | Born January 23, 1998 |
| Death Date | Died June 18, 2018 (Age 20) |
| Birthplace | Plantation, Florida |
| Raised In | Lauderhill, Florida, Pompano Beach |
| Parents | Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy (father), Cleopatra Bernard (mother) |
| Ethnicity | Jamaican parents, Egyptian, Indian, Italian ancestry |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Son | Gekyume Onfroy (born January 26, 2019) |
| Genres | Emo rap, trap, lo-fi, nu-metal, punk rock |
| Famous Songs | “Sad!“, “Moonlight“, “Look at Me“ |
| Albums | 17 (2017), ? (2018), Skins (2018), Bad Vibes Forever (2019) |
| Collective | Members Only collective |
| Best Friend | Ski Mask the Slump God |
Who Was Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy?
Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, professionally known as XXXTentacion, was one of the most influential yet polarizing figures in modern hip-hop. The rapper whose real name was Jahseh Onfroy rose from uploading tracks on SoundCloud to becoming a global phenomenon whose music has streamed billions of times worldwide.
The birth name Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy holds significant meaning. His father, Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, named him “Jahseh” after the Bob Marley song “So Jah Seh,” which references Ezekiel 34 from the Bible. Both his father and grandfather were Rastafarians, giving his name deep spiritual and cultural roots. His middle name “Dwayne” came from his father, while “Ricardo” completed his full birth name.
Born to Jamaican parents with additional Egyptian, Syrian, Indian, and Italian ancestry, Jahseh Onfroy represented a multicultural background that influenced his worldview and music. His mother, Cleopatra Bernard, became the guardian of his estate after his death and continues to preserve his legacy in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy spent his childhood between Plantation, Florida, and Lauderhill, Florida. His early years were marked by instability and hardship. Raised primarily by his grandmother, Collette Jones, in Pompano Beach and Lauderhill, Florida, young Jahseh faced numerous challenges that would shape his music and persona.
In 2008, when Jahseh Onfroy was just 10 years old, his father, Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, was incarcerated for nine years in Arizona on RICO charges following a Drug Enforcement Administration operation. His father was later deported to Jamaica in 2016. This absence profoundly affected Jahseh’s development and contributed to the emotional depth listeners would later hear in his music.
Jahseh’s interest in music began when his aunt encouraged him to join the school choir and later church choir. However, his time in choir was short-lived—he was expelled after attacking another student. This pattern of violent confrontations followed him throughout his school years. He was expelled from middle school due to multiple physical altercations and was eventually enrolled in Sheridan House Family Ministries by his mother, Cleopatra Bernard, where he spent over six months.
During his time at Sheridan House Family Ministries, born Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy discovered nu-metal, hard rock, and rap music. This period proved transformative—he learned to play piano and guitar, skills that would later distinguish his music from other SoundCloud rappers.
Jahseh Onfroy described himself as a “misfit” during high school, someone who was quiet despite being popular and regularly involved in physical confrontations. He openly discussed being insecure and depressed during these years, struggles that became central themes in his music.
In late 2012, at age 14, Jahseh was arrested for possession of 21 grams of marijuana—a felony under Florida law. He was sentenced to one month in juvenile detention and six months at a behavioral correction facility. Shortly after his release, he was arrested again for breaking into a house to steal a laptop, which he wanted to use for creating music.
It was during a stint in juvenile detention for gun possession charges that Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy met Stokeley Goulbourne, better known as Ski Mask the Slump God. This friendship would prove crucial to both artists’ careers. The two began freestyling together and discovered their shared passion for making music that pushed boundaries.
The Meaning Behind “XXXTentacion”
The stage name meaning behind XXXTentacion is as complex as the artist himself. After Jahseh Onfroy decided to pursue music seriously, he needed a memorable stage name that reflected his personality and artistic vision.
The name XXXTentacion combines several elements:
“XXX” represents the unknown variable in mathematics, symbolizing the unpredictable and mysterious nature of his artistry. The three X’s also served as a signature that became iconic in hip-hop culture. Some interpretations suggest the X’s represented his desire to leave his mark on the world.
“Tentación” is the Spanish word for “temptation,” reflecting the internal struggles and dark themes that permeated his music. XXXTentacion (real name Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy) often explored temptation, depression, mental health, and personal demons in his lyrics.
The combination created a stage name that was both mysterious and memorable—qualities that helped the SoundCloud rapper stand out in an increasingly crowded digital music landscape. The name itself became synonymous with a new wave of emotional, genre-blending hip-hop that resonated with millions of young fans worldwide.
Rise to Fame: From SoundCloud to Stardom
Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy’s journey from unknown SoundCloud rapper to international star represents one of the most meteoric rises in modern music history. His career officially began in June 2013 when he uploaded his first song, “News/Flock,” to SoundCloud. He later uploaded “Vice City,” which became his first official release on the platform.
Following his release from juvenile detention in 2013, Jahseh and Ski Mask the Slump God reconnected and began making music together in earnest. Jahseh purchased a Blue Snowball microphone and started recording, convincing Ski Mask to do the same. They initially joined Ski Mask’s group Very Rare before born Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy broke off to start the Members Only collective, which Ski Mask later joined as well.
The Members Only collective became an important part of XXXTentacion’s identity and helped establish his presence in the underground rap scene. The collective released several mixtapes, including Members Only Vol. 1 and Members Only Vol. 2, which showcased Jahseh’s versatility and raw talent.
On December 30, 2015, the original version of “Look at Me” was uploaded to SoundCloud. This track would become XXXTentacion’s breakthrough hit, though its path to success was unconventional and controversial.
In 2016, while Jahseh Onfroy was incarcerated, “Look at Me” began gaining traction. The song’s aggressive energy, distorted bass, and raw emotion captured attention across SoundCloud. When rapper Drake released his song “KMT” in 2017, many fans and critics noted similarities in flow and style to “Look at Me,” sparking controversy and bringing even more attention to XXXTentacion.
Upon his release from prison in March 2017, professionally known as XXXTentacion found himself at the center of hip-hop conversations. “Look at Me” was officially re-released and peaked at number 34 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and broke into the top 40 of the Canadian Hot 100. The American rapper had arrived.
Breakthrough Songs and Albums
XXXTentacion’s discography represents a fascinating evolution of sound and emotion. Unlike many SoundCloud rappers who stuck to one style, Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy constantly experimented with different genres and emotional registers.
17 (2017) – Debut Studio Album
Released on August 25, 2017, 17 marked Jahseh’s first major studio album. The album was a radical departure from typical hip-hop releases—it was introspective, melancholic, and deeply personal. 17 debuted at number 2 on the US Billboard 200, selling 86,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.
The album featured 11 tracks exploring themes of depression, suicide, loneliness, and heartbreak. Songs like “Jocelyn Flores” and “Revenge” became anthems for young people struggling with mental health issues. “Jocelyn Flores” peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100, matching the success of “Look at Me.”
17 proved that rapper whose real name was Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy could create commercially successful music while addressing serious mental health topics. The album’s minimalist production and emotional vulnerability set a new standard for emo rap.
? (Question Mark) (2018) – Commercial Peak
Released on March 16, 2018, ? (pronounced “Question Mark”) represented XXXTentacion’s commercial and artistic peak. The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, cementing Jahseh Onfroy as one of hip-hop’s biggest stars.
The 18-track album showcased incredible versatility, featuring guest appearances from Joey Bada$$, Travis Barker, and PnB Rock. The XXXTentacion albums ? contained some of his most successful songs:
“Sad!” – This became XXXTentacion’s signature song and biggest hit. After his death, “Sad!” reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for multiple weeks. The song’s emotional lyrics about heartbreak and depression resonated with millions. As of 2025, “Sad!” remains one of the most-streamed songs in hip-hop history with over 2 billion streams on Spotify alone.
“Moonlight” – This track peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased Jahseh’s ability to create catchy, melodic hip-hop. The song’s lighter tone contrasted with much of his darker material, proving his range as an artist.
“Changes” featuring PnB Rock – A heartbreak ballad that displayed XXXTentacion’s singing ability and emotional depth. The song became a fan favorite and a staple at memorials after his death.
“Sad!”, “Moonlight”, and “Look at Me” formed the holy trinity of XXXTentacion hit songs that defined his career and continue to introduce new listeners to his music in 2025.
Posthumous Releases: Skins (2018) and Bad Vibes Forever (2019)
After Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy died June 18, 2018, his estate, managed by his mother Cleopatra Bernard, released two more studio albums:
Skins (December 7, 2018) – Released just months after his death, this 10-track album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200. Songs like “Bad!” showed Jahseh was planning to continue evolving his sound. The album was shorter and more experimental than his previous work.
Bad Vibes Forever (December 6, 2019) – This 25-track album featured numerous collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Trippie Redd, and Kanye West. The album served as a comprehensive showcase of XXXTentacion’s unreleased material and collaborative work. It debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200.
Musical Style and Influence
What set Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy apart from other rappers was his refusal to be confined to a single genre. XXXTentacion’s music blended emo rap, trap, nu-metal, punk rock, indie rock, lo-fi, and R&B into a sound that was uniquely his own.
Musical Influences:
The singer-songwriter cited a diverse range of influences that shaped his eclectic sound:
- Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) – His biggest inspiration; Jahseh admired Cobain’s raw emotion and willingness to be vulnerable
- Tupac Shakur – The legendary rapper’s introspective style influenced Jahseh’s lyrical approach
- The Weeknd – His melodic sensibility and dark themes
- Papa Roach, Three Days Grace, Hoobastank – Nu-metal and rock bands that influenced his aggressive tracks
- Coldplay, Gorillaz – Alternative and experimental approaches to music
- Tech N9ne, Eminem – Technical rap skills and controversial personas
Genre-Blending Approach:
XXXTentacion (real name Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy) would release a screaming nu-metal track one day and an acoustic ballad the next. This unpredictability became his trademark. Songs could feature:
- Distorted 808 bass and aggressive trap beats
- Acoustic guitar with emotional singing
- Punk rock screaming and heavy metal influences
- Lo-fi hip-hop production
- R&B melodies and chord progressions
Vocal Versatility:
Jahseh’s vocal style changed dramatically depending on the song’s emotional content:
- Aggressive tracks featured distorted screaming reminiscent of nu-metal and hardcore punk
- Emotional tracks showcased vulnerable singing and spoken-word delivery
- Rap tracks displayed technical skill with flows and wordplay
- Melodic tracks highlighted his improving singing ability
Lyrical Themes:
Unlike many rappers focused on wealth and status, born Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy used his platform to discuss:
- Depression and mental health – Opening conversations many young people desperately needed
- Suicide and suicidal ideation – Addressing dark thoughts with brutal honesty
- Loneliness and isolation – Capturing the alienation many fans felt
- Heartbreak and relationships – Exploring toxic love and emotional pain
- Violence and anger – Not glorifying but examining his own aggressive tendencies
- Redemption and growth – His later work showed attempts at personal improvement
Production Style:
The lo-fi aesthetic of XXXTentacion’s music was intentional. Jahseh believed that imperfect mixing and raw production made his music feel more “genuine” and authentic. This DIY approach resonated with the SoundCloud rapper generation who valued authenticity over polish.
Influence on Modern Hip-Hop:
As of 2025, Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy’s influence on modern hip-hop and popular music cannot be overstated:
- Normalized emotional vulnerability in rap music, particularly among male artists
- Pioneered the emo rap subgenre that artists like Juice WRLD, Lil Peep, and Trippie Redd helped popularize
- Proved SoundCloud could launch megastars without traditional label support
- Showed genre-blending was commercially viable in hip-hop
- Opened conversations about mental health in hip-hop culture
- Influenced countless new artists who cite him as inspiration
The Legacy of Jahseh Onfroy (2025)
Seven years after died June 18, 2018, the legacy of Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy continues to grow and evolve. What makes his story particularly compelling in 2025 is how his music has maintained relevance and even gained new audiences years after his death.
Posthumous Releases and Tributes
Since his passing, Cleopatra Bernard has carefully managed Jahseh’s estate and posthumous releases:
Major Posthumous Collaborations:
“Falling Down” with Lil Peep (September 2018) – This collaboration between two deceased artists peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Producer iLoveMakonnen reworked Lil Peep’s “Sunlight on Your Skin” to include verses Jahseh recorded as a tribute to Peep after his 2017 death. The song became an anthem for fans mourning both artists.
“Don’t Cry” featuring Lil Wayne (October 2018) – This track from Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter V album debuted at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of XXXTentacion’s highest-charting posthumous songs.
“Arms Around You” (October 2018) – A collaboration with Lil Pump, Maluma, and Swae Lee, produced by Skrillex, showed Jahseh’s willingness to experiment with Latin and EDM influences.
“Royalty” (July 2019) – Featuring Ky-Mani Marley (Bob Marley’s son), Stefflon Don, and Vybz Kartel, this track honored Jahseh’s Jamaican heritage and his father’s naming inspiration.
NFT and Digital Releases (2021-2025):
In May 2021, XXXTentacion became one of the first artists to posthumously release music as NFTs (non-fungible tokens). Five unreleased SoundCloud songs were sold as digital collectibles, with proceeds benefiting his charity foundation. This innovative approach set a precedent for how deceased artists’ estates could monetize and preserve rare recordings in the blockchain era.
As of 2025, Cleopatra Bernard continues to explore new technologies for sharing Jahseh’s music and preserving his legacy for future generations.
Documentary and Media:
“Look At Me: XXXTentacion” (Hulu, 2022) – This comprehensive documentary explored Jahseh’s life, controversies, and impact. The film featured interviews with his mother Cleopatra Bernard, close friends, collaborators, and even his abuse victim, Geneva Ayala. The documentary was praised for not shying away from difficult topics while still humanizing Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy.
The documentary’s balanced approach helped new audiences understand the complexity of XXXTentacion (real name Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy) beyond headlines and controversies.
Gekyume Onfroy – The Next Generation:
Jahseh’s son, Gekyume Onfroy, was born on January 26, 2019—just three days after what would have been his father’s 21st birthday. The name “Gekyume” was created by Jahseh himself, meaning “a different state” or “next universe of thought.”
As of 2025, Gekyume is six years old, and Cleopatra Bernard has shared selective updates about him with fans. The child represents a living legacy of Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, and many fans see him as carrying forward his father’s creative spirit.
Impact on Modern Hip-Hop
The influence of better known as XXXTentacion on contemporary music extends far beyond streaming numbers:
Streaming Dominance:
As of 2025, XXXTentacion remains one of the most-streamed artists globally:
| Platform | Total Streams (2025) | Monthly Listeners |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify | 60+ billion total streams | 40+ million monthly |
| Apple Music | 35+ billion total streams | 25+ million monthly |
| YouTube | 20+ billion video views | N/A |
Jahseh’s album ? was named by Spotify’s Rap Caviar as one of the most-streamed hip-hop albums in the platform’s history. “Sad!” alone has generated over 2.5 billion Spotify streams, making it one of the most-played rap songs ever.
Mental Health Advocacy:
Perhaps Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy’s most significant legacy is normalizing mental health discussions in hip-hop. His openness about depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts gave permission to millions of fans—particularly young men—to acknowledge their own struggles.
The XXXTentacion Foundation, established by Cleopatra Bernard, continues funding mental health initiatives, youth programs, and community projects in South Florida. The foundation has donated to:
- Mental health counseling programs for at-risk youth
- Music education initiatives in Plantation, Florida and Lauderhill, Florida
- Domestic violence prevention programs
- Foster care support services
Genre Evolution:
The emo rap movement that Jahseh helped pioneer has become one of hip-hop’s most popular subgenres. Artists like:
- Juice WRLD (who passed away in 2019 and is often compared to XXXTentacion)
- Trippie Redd (close friend and frequent collaborator)
- Lil Uzi Vert (who attended Jahseh’s funeral)
- The Kid LAROI (Australian artist influenced by XXXTentacion’s emotional style)
- Iann Dior, Machine Gun Kelly (pop-punk era)
All cite professionally known as XXXTentacion as a major influence. The genre-blending approach he championed is now standard practice in hip-hop.
SoundCloud Legacy:
As one of the first SoundCloud rappers to achieve mainstream superstardom, born as Jahseh Onfroy proved that artists no longer needed traditional record label machinery to build massive audiences. His success story inspired countless independent artists to pursue music careers through digital platforms.
The SoundCloud rapper generation—including artists like Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, and Ski Mask the Slump God—all benefited from the path XXXTentacion helped forge.
Cultural Conversations:
Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy’s controversial life sparked important conversations that continue in 2025:
- Separating art from artist – Can we appreciate someone’s music while acknowledging their harmful actions?
- Accountability and redemption – Was Jahseh genuinely changing before his death, or was it performative?
- Mental health and violence – How do we address the connection between trauma, mental illness, and harmful behavior?
- Youth and consequences – Should young people’s worst moments define them forever?
These discussions remain relevant as new generations discover his music and grapple with his complex legacy.
Remembering the Person Behind the Name
It’s important to remember that behind the stage name was Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy—a young man from Plantation, Florida who experienced severe trauma, made terrible mistakes, created beautiful art, and died before he could fully mature or atone for his actions.
Known professionally as XXXTentacion, he was also:
- A son who remained close to his mother Cleopatra Bernard
- A friend who maintained deep loyalty to Ski Mask the Slump God and the Members Only collective
- A father who never got to meet his son Gekyume Onfroy
- A musician who constantly pushed himself to evolve
- A young man struggling with bipolar disorder (diagnosed at age 13)
- Someone who expressed regret and desire to change in his final months
The complete story of rapper whose real name was Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy includes both the harm he caused and the help he provided to millions struggling with mental health. This duality makes his legacy complicated but undeniably impactful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was XXXTentacion real name?
XXXTentacion’s real name was Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy. He was born January 23, 1998, in Plantation, Florida.
What does XXXTentacion mean?
The name combines “XXX” (representing the unknown variable) with “tentación” (Spanish for “temptation“), symbolizing mystery and internal struggles.
When did XXXTentacion die?
Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy died June 18, 2018, at age 20 in Deerfield Beach, Florida, during a robbery.
What are XXXTentacion’s biggest songs?
His biggest hits include “Sad!” (which reached #1), “Moonlight” (#13), and “Look at Me” (#34) on the Billboard Hot 100.
Did XXXTentacion have a child?
Yes, his son Gekyume Onfroy was born January 26, 2019, seven months after Jahseh’s death.
Who were XXXTentacion’s parents?
His parents were Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy (father) and Cleopatra Bernard (mother), both of Jamaican descent.
Where was XXXTentacion from?
Born as Jahseh Onfroy in Plantation, Florida, he was raised primarily in Lauderhill, Florida and Pompano Beach.
What was XXXTentacion’s first song?
His first SoundCloud upload was “News/Flock” in June 2013, followed by “Vice City” later that year.
How many albums did XXXTentacion release?
He released two studio albums while alive (17 and ?) and two posthumously (Skins and Bad Vibes Forever).
Who is Ski Mask the Slump God to XXXTentacion?
Ski Mask the Slump God was Jahseh’s best friend and frequent collaborator. They met in juvenile detention and co-founded the Members Only collective.
What genre was XXXTentacion?
XXXTentacion’s music blended emo rap, trap, nu-metal, punk rock, lo-fi, and R&B—refusing to stick to one genre.
How tall was XXXTentacion?
Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall.
What was XXXTentacion’s net worth?
At his death, estimates placed his net worth between $5-10 million. Posthumous releases have significantly increased his estate’s value.
Who manages XXXTentacion’s estate?
His mother, Cleopatra Bernard, manages his estate and continues releasing music and protecting his legacy.
What happened to XXXTentacion’s killers?
Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2023.
Conclusion
What is XXXTentacion’s real name? The answer—Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy—represents more than just a legal identity. It represents a young man from Plantation, Florida, who rose from poverty and juvenile detention to become one of the most influential artists of his generation.
Born Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy to Jamaican parents on January 23, 1998, this American rapper and singer-songwriter spent his brief 20 years creating music that touched millions. Known professionally as XXXTentacion, he pioneered the emo rap sound, normalized mental health conversations in hip-hop, and proved that SoundCloud rappers could achieve mainstream success without traditional industry support.
From his breakthrough with “Look at Me” to chart-topping success with “Sad!” and “Moonlight,” professionally known as XXXTentacion created a catalog that continues resonating in 2025. His XXXTentacion albums—particularly 17 and ?—remain essential listening for understanding modern hip-hop’s emotional evolution.
The Florida rapper’s legacy is undeniably complex. Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy caused real harm, particularly to women, while simultaneously providing solace to millions struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. This duality makes easy judgments impossible and ensures conversations about his life and work will continue for generations.
His mother, Cleopatra Bernard, has worked tirelessly to preserve what was best about Jahseh while supporting causes that address the issues he struggled with. His son, Gekyume Onfroy, represents hope that something positive can grow from tragedy. The Members Only collective and artists like Ski Mask the Slump God continue honoring his memory through music.
Seven years after died June 18, 2018, better known as XXXTentacion remains one of the most-streamed artists globally, proving that Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy’s artistic vision transcended his troubled life. His influence on emo rap, genre-blending, and mental health advocacy in hip-hop remains unmatched.
Understanding XXXTentacion (real name Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy) requires acknowledging both the beautiful and the ugly—the innovative artist and the violent young man, the mental health advocate who struggled with his own demons, the controversial rapper who died before fully realizing his potential for growth.
The question “What was XXXTentacion’s real name?” opens the door to a much larger story about art, trauma, redemption, and legacy. Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy may be gone, but his impact on music and culture continues growing in 2025 and beyond.
