Today would have been the 22nd birthday of the late XXXTentacion.
Pioneering exposure through SoundCloud XXX passed away in 2018, but since then his music and legacy have been celebrated around the world. Born in Plantation, Florida in 1998, he began his career in 2013, by uploading his music to SoundCloud and gaining a huge following. His early releases "Look at Me!" and "Vice City", quickly gained traction with fans and in 2017, XXX released his debut album, "17!"
Debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 chart the album was a massive success, earning him two Grammy nominations, and featuring "Jocelyn Flores" and "Revenge". The success of the album led to a massive tour across the U.S., gaining him even more attention.
in 2018 XXXTentacion, was shot and killed outside Riva Motorsports in Fort Lauderdale area in a robbery, where a Louis Vuitton bag was stolen with $50,000 in it. Prosecutors allege that Michael Boatwright and Trayvon Newsome were the two gunmen, and Boatwright's fingerprints were found on XXXTentacion's vehicle.
Jury selection has begun in the trial of three men charged with the killing of XXXTentacion. The process began in Broward County, Florida, with opening statements expected next month.
Prosecutors have accused Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome of murdering XXXTentacion during a robbery in 2018. All three defendants have plead not guilty to the charges, while another man, Robert Allen, was arrested in connection to the crime and later found guilty of second-degree murder in 2022. As part of his plea deal, Allen will testify in the upcoming trial. If convicted, Boatwright, Williams and Newsome could face life in prison.
The estate of XXXTentacion released a new single "I'm Not Human," which was announced hours before his birthday. Produced by John Cunningham the song conveys X's raw emotions and dark thoughts. His family shared the surprise track on Instagram with the caption, “A gift from Jah…Thank you #liluzi 1.23.23.”