The rapper, whose real name is Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, most recently debuted his second album '?' which reached number one on the Billboard 200 charts.

XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, died at the age of 20 on Monday after being fatally shot during an armed robbery in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Billboard has confirmed. According to reports, he was found without a pulse in his vehicle and was quickly transported to a nearby trauma center.

X has been a controversial figure in music while building one of the most loyal fanbases despite a well-documented legal history. The 20-year-old began making music back in 2013 and played an integral role in the burgeoning SoundCloud generation of rap. He is also partly responsible for the distorted sound that has emerged out of the South Florida region.

In 2016, XXXTentacion fully invested himself in music and moved in with fellow rapper Denzel Curry. He was already friends with Ski Mask The Slump God as well, as the pair had collaborated on tracks in the past. By this point, X's legal issues began to mount after he accumulated charges from a pair of incidents for robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and then witness tampering, false imprisonment and aggravated battery of a pregnant woman.

The following year, X began his meteoric rise after re-releasing his viral single "Look at Me," which peaked at No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. Some believe Drake's flow on More Life's "KMT" was reminiscent of X's. In August 2017, the Florida-bred rapper's debut album, 17, came in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, moving 86,000 units in the first week. The genre-blending artist was voted in by the fans for the 10th spot on the XXL Freshman List of 2017.

Onfroy was facing more charges that included domestic violence stemming from a 2016 relationship. After being found guilty of violating his bond in December, he was released on house arrest. A judge moved him off house arrest in March so he could tour in order to make a living. He was still awaiting trial and facing 15 felony charges he was accused of later in 2018.

XXXTentacion unleashed his sophomore album, ?, in March. He sold 131,000 units in the first week. ? gave X his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200, powered by a pair of singles, including his highest-charting work to date, "Sad!," which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. During his career, X had 16 records land on the Hot 100.

Most recently, he was planning a charity event in Florida slated for this weekend.

This story first appeared on Billboard.com.</s>Image copyright Shutterstock Image caption The rapper's latest album debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart

US rapper XXXTentacion, who quickly rose to fame with two consecutive hit albums, has been killed aged 20.

He was leaving a motorcycle dealership in south Florida on Monday when a gunman shot him.

Police in Broward County said XXXTentacion, whose real name is Jahseh Onfroy, was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

He was often described as one of rap's most controversial artists and was facing domestic violence charges.

XXXTentacion's lawyer, David Bogenschutz, said on Tuesday that investigators believe the slaying was the result of a random robbery.

Mr Bogenschutz said the rapper may have recently withdrawn cash to buy the motorcycle.

The Broward County Sherriff's Office has offered a $3,000 (£2,200) reward for any information about the killing.

On the same day, up and coming rapper Jimmy Wopo was also killed in a shooting in Pittsburgh. The 21-year-old's manager, Taylor Maglin, confirmed on Facebook the singer had been one of the victims of a drive-by shooting on Monday evening.

Wopo started making music at the age of 14, but had yet to see a breakthrough hit.

Soundcloud rapper

Image copyright AFP Image caption Emergency responders pictured near the XXXTentacion's car following the shooting

XXXTentacion first found an audience by uploading songs to the website SoundCloud. He had been hailed as a breakthrough talent and tributes have been pouring in from hip-hop luminaries in the wake of his death.

Onfroy was leaving the dealership shortly before 16:00 local time when two men approached him, officials say.

At least one of them shot him before both fled the scene in Deerfield Beach, 43 miles (69km) north of Miami, in a dark-coloured SUV.

Video posted on social media apparently showed Onfroy slumped in his car. A witness told celebrity news website TMZ that multiple shots had been fired outside the dealership.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption XXXTentacion attended last year's BET Hip Hop Awards

The rapper, whose hit songs include SAD! and Moonlight, quickly rose to prominence following the release of his debut album 17 last August.

His follow-up ? debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart in March and has been listened to hundreds of millions of times online.

The album tackled subjects such as depression and was praised by some of rap's highest-profile stars.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The rapper had a difficult upbringing

But his short career was plagued by allegations of domestic violence. He was facing 15 felony charges at the time of his death, including aggravated battery of a pregnant woman.

From tough upbringing to number one

By Mark Savage, Music Reporter, BBC News

XXXTentacion had a troubled upbringing and was expelled from middle school for fighting, but he channelled his energy and fury into music.

He quickly became the most popular artist in the genre known as SoundCloud Rap, defined by its languid, hazy beats and wide-ranging influences.

His surging popularity was noted by the music industry and, by October 2017, he had scored a distribution agreement reportedly worth $6m (£4.5m).

But his career was already being overshadowed by his legal problems. Fans were apparently unswayed, sending his latest album to number one in the US.

Read more from Mark

Tributes quickly poured in on social media from Kanye West and rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs among others.

Rapper J Cole hailed the star's "enormous talent and limitless potential". "God bless his family, friends and fans," he posted.

Documentary maker Louis Theroux said: "Notwithstanding personal demons, he was a huge talent & bringing a beautiful new feel to hip hop. So sad."</s>DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA. (WHDH) – Rapper XXXTentacion has been shot and killed in Deerfield Beach, Florida, according to a report from TMZ.

Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene outside of Riva Motorsports near Sample Road and North Dixie Highway around 4:20 p.m. Monday.

In a Tweet posted about an hour later, BSO noted the man they discovered at the scene was dead.

Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, goes by the name XXXTentacion, was born in Plantation Florida.

XXXTentacion had posted on his Instagram story that he was planning a charity event this weekend in Florida.</s>The Broward County, Florida Sherriff's Office confirmed the 20-year-old's death on Monday evening, tweeting: "The adult male that was taken to the hospital has been pronounced dead … The adult male victim has been confirmed as 20 year old Jahseh Onfroy aka rapper #XXXTentacion."

According to TMZ, the rapper was shot outside a motorcycle store in Deerfield Beach, Florida, just before 4pm on Monday. He was transported to a local area hospital.

He had reportedly been leaving a motorcycle dealership in a car when someone ran up and shot him. The website also reports that a Louis Vuitton bag was stolen from the vehicle.

Around 4:30pm, the Sherriff tweeted that cops were "currently working an incident regarding a shooting at 3671 N. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach. PIO headed to scene. Dispatchers received a call of a shooting at 3:57pm. An adult male victim was transported to an area hospital."

The slain rapper was a certainly a controversial figure, and had an extensive legal history.

At the time of his death, he was awaiting trial for domestic violence and false imprisonment of his pregnant ex-girlfriend.

He was also facing witness harassment and tampering charges.

Despite this, the rapper had developed a loyal following and his second album, "?," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart in March.

He began making music back in 2013 and is credited for playing a key role in the SoundCloud generation of rap. XXXTentacion's star began to rise in 2016, and reached a peak last year thanks to his viral single Look At Me, which hit No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100.

When news broke that XXXTentacion had been killed, celebrities and fans took to social media to share their grief and pay tribute.

This story originally appeared in the NY Post and is republished here with permission.</s>Rapper XXXTentacion was shot and killed Monday afternoon in Florida's Broward County, the Broward Sheriff's Department confirmed.

The 20-year-old rapper, whose real name was Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, was shot by a gunman who ran up to his vehicle as he left a South Florida motorcycle shop, according to TMZ, who first reported his death.

A tweet from the sheriff's office said that dispatch received a call at 3:57 p.m. of a shooting in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and a male victim was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead. Authorities later confirmed the victim's identity to be XXXTentacion.

No arrests have been made in the shooting, and investigators haven't named any suspects, according to the Associated Press..

According to Billboard, XXXTentacion recently earned his first No. 1 album on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart with ?, which debuted atop the list dated March 31.

He was arrested in December 2017 on charges that he beat up his pregnant girlfriend and later released on house arrest. TMZ reported that a judge recently granted his request to be let off house arrest so he could tour.

In June of 2017, XXXTentacion was knocked unconscious during a performance at the Observatory North Park in San Diego leading to a brawl in which a concertgoer was stabbed.

Last month Spotify backpedaled on a planned anti-hate policy to remove XXXTentacion's music from its playlists, along with R. Kelly.

Reaction from the music community came pouring in.

Kanye West praised Xxxtentacion on social media. "I never told you how much you inspired me when you were here thank you for existing," he tweeted.

Tyga said he was "so sad to lose a good artist."</s>The rapper XXXTentacion was shot in Florida on Monday, multiple outlets reported. The Broward County Sheriff's Department later told TMZ he had been pronounced dead.

Citing witnesses, TMZ reported that the 20-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jahseh Onfroy, was shot in his car after leaving a motorcycle dealer in South Florida.

Videos of what appeared to be Onfroy unresponsive in the driver's seat of a car circulated on social media on Monday. A Broward County official told Variety there was "a developing incident regarding a shooting" in Deerfield Beach, about 43 miles north of Miami, in which an "adult male victim was transported to an area hospital."

TMZ described witnesses as saying the rapper had "no pulse" following the incident.

Onfroy was awaiting trial for a 2016 domestic-abuse case. He faced charges of aggravated battery of his pregnant girlfriend, domestic battery by strangulation, false imprisonment, and witness tampering.

Onfroy's second studio album, "?," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart in March.

Onfroy's representatives did not immediately respond to Business Insider's requests for further information.</s>DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Rapper XXXTentacion has been shot and killed in Deerfield Beach, the Broward Sheriff’s Office has confirmed.

At a press conference at 6:30 p.m., Monday, BSO spokesperson Keyla Concepción confirmed Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, the rapper’s real name, was the deceased.

Concepción said deputies responded to a call at 4 p.m. to the scene outside of Riva Motorsports near Sample Road and North Dixie Highway.

The 20-year-old rapper had been in the area buying a new motorcycle when it all went down.

According to BSO, two suspects approached XXXTentacion, and at least one of them opened fire before fleeing.

“At this point, it appears to be an apparent robbery,” said Concepción. “The two suspects fled the scene in a dark color SUV.”

In a Tweet posted about an hour later, BSO noted the man they discovered at the scene was dead.

Neighbors in the community were shocked to hear of his reported passing.

“This is so crazy. I can’t believe it. This is a good community. I can’t believe something like this happened in my neighborhood,” said a neighbor. “An artist at that, in my neighborhood. This is crazy.”

XXXTentacion had posted on his Instagram story that he was planning a charity event this weekend in Florida.

The rapper, who was born in Plantation, Florida, blew up to fame after his song “Look at Me” went viral on social media and audio distribution platform SoundCloud in 2016.

XXXTentacion went on to be featured on the 2017 XXL Freshman Class alongside other up-and-coming artists.

If you have any information on this homicide, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.

Copyright 2018 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</s>DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Troubled rapper-singer XXXTentacion was shot and killed Monday in Florida in what police called an apparent robbery attempt.

The 20-year-old rising star, whose real name is Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, was pronounced dead Monday evening at a Fort Lauderdale-area hospital, the Broward Sheriff's Office said. He was shot earlier outside a Deerfield Beach motorcycle dealership.

XXXTentacion had been at RIVA Motorsports checking out inventory, sheriff's public information officer Keyla Concepcion said. He was in a black BMW i8 and preparing to leave before 4 p.m. when two armed suspects approached him. At least one of them fired, and then both suspects fled the scene in a dark SUV, Concepcion said. Investigators don't have a motive, and no arrests have been made.

Stephanie Martinez, a 29-year-old mother who lives in the neighborhood, was just coming back from the pool with her kids when she heard three shots. She drove to the end of the street and saw the rapper's body in the car.

"He has his mouth open and his hand out. Two people went over and checked his pulse," said Martinez, who also saw blood. "It's just weird because he should've had security and stuff with him."

On Twitter, his peers expressed shock and sadness.

Kanye West said: "rest in peace ... I never told you how much you inspired me when you were here thank you for existing." Producer Diplo posted a photo of the two together and said, "Thanks for inspiring me." Travis Barker tweeted: "I'm at a loss for words... speechless #RIPXXXTentacion Loved collaborating with you. You were a true artist ..."

And J. Cole said, in part: "RIP X. Enormous talent and limitless potential and a strong desire to be a better person. God bless his family, friends and fans."

The entertainer, who sported dreadlocks and a number of facial tattoos, was a rising star and notched a No. 1 album in March with his sophomore effort "?'' and had a top 10 hit with "Sad!" but was facing trial on charges that he beat up his pregnant girlfriend.

XXXTentacion racked up huge streaming numbers — on Spotify, his "Sad!" had more than 270 million streams and was on its Top 50 chart this week in the United States and globally. He also has several songs that have been declared platinum, including "Changes," ''Roll in Peace" with fellow rapper Kodak Black and "Look at Me!"

In interview with XXL magazine, which named him an up-and-coming artist last year, the rapper cited Nirvana, the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur among his musical influences.

"Obviously, I'm one of the greatest of this generation, the upcoming generation, as far as artistry. ... And I say that humbly," he said in a video interview with the outlet last year.

But much of his brief career had been mired in controversy. In 2016, he was arrested on charges including home invasion for a 2015 incident, and less than a month later was arrested on charges that he attacked his girlfriend, who was pregnant at the time. He later faced more charges including witness tampering.

Regarding a June 2017 attack at a San Diego concert, the following messages were posted on XXXTentacion's Twitter account: "security and venue set me up, I got sucker punched and knocked out, it is what it is."

A subsequent tweet said," ''next time make sure you kill me so I can't talk (expletive)."

He was released from jail on house arrest late last year and was released from house arrest earlier this year to allow him to tour.

Fan Wyatt Rubin, 21, jumped in his car and headed to the scene shooting Monday as soon as he heard, playing the rapper's songs like "Jocelyn Flores" and "King" on the drive over.

"He was just maturing as a person and as an artist ... it couldn't have come at a worse time," Rubin said. "A lot of it was really beautiful music, progressive music.'"

In an interview earlier this month with the Miami New Times, XXXTentacion described his upbringing, which included seeing his mother infrequently and being raised by friends, other family and babysitters. His mother would buy him clothes, phones and other gifts. He told the paper he used violence so she would engage with him.

"I used to beat kids at school just to get her to talk to me, yell at me," he said.

XXXTentacion was initially one of two artists Spotify removed from its promoted playlists in May in accordance with its new policy on hateful music and conduct. But after a backlash in the music industry, Spotify backpedaled and said it would no longer attempt to police conduct and restored XXXTentacion to its playlists (although they did not do the same for R. Kelly).

While he made headlines for his legal woes, he connected to millions of fans musically. Among the topics he spoke about was depression and addressed it in his music.

In one video posted to social media, he said: "If worse things come to worse, I (expletive) die a tragic death or some (expletive), and I'm not able to see out my dreams, I at least want to know that the kids perceive my message and were able to make something of themselves."

He continued later: "I appreciate and love all of you and I believe in you all; do not let your depression make you, do not let your body define your soul, let your soul define your body. Your mind is limitless ....you are worth more than you can believe."

This story has been corrected to show "?'' in all references that was released in March, not last month.</s>June 18 (Reuters) - Up and coming U.S. rapper XXXTentacion was shot dead near Miami on Monday, celebrity website TMZ reported.

The Broward County Sheriff's office said in statement that an adult male who was shot near Miami, Florida, on Monday afternoon and taken to a hospital was later pronounced dead.

The Sheriff's department did not identify the man but TMZ and Hollywood trade publication Variety reported that it was 20 year-old rapper XXXTentacion.

According to a police dispatch call obtained by TMZ, the rapper was shot in an apparent drive-by incident near a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, about 40 miles north of Miami.

A representative for XXXTentacion's independent record label could not immediately be reached for comment.

XXXTentacion, whose real name is Jasheh Dwayne Onfroy, released his debut album in August 2017. His second album "?" debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 album chart when it was released in March.

XXXTentacion was born and raised in Plantation, Florida. According to media reports, he had spent time in jail and youth detention centers and was awaiting trial for domestic violence against his pregnant girlfriend. (Reporting by Jill Serjeant)</s>MIAMI – Witnesses say rapper XXXTentacion was shot in Florida and did not appear to have a pulse Monday, TMZ reports.

TMZ reports the 20-year-old was leaving a motorcycle dealership when a gunman fired shots at his vehicle. The rapper was rushed to a hospital where he died from is injuries, according to TMZ. Witnesses said on Twitter that the rapper appeared “lifeless.”

A spokesperson for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office said they are still gathering information after a shooting at 3671 N. Dixie Highway in Deerfield Beach, where RIVA Motorsports is located, roughly 43 miles outside of Miami.

Dispatch received a call of a shooting at 3:57 p.m., and the sheriff’s office confirmed that an adult male was taken to the hospital.

XXXTentacion, whose birth name is Jahseh Onfroy, topped the Billboard 200 album chart in March with the release of “?”.
American rapper XXXTentacion is shot dead in Deerfield Beach, Florida, United States.