US rapper XXXTentacion, who rose to fame with two consecutive hit albums, was shot dead yesterday afternoon.
The 20-year-old was leaving a motorcycle dealership in South Florida on Monday around 4pm when he was approached by two men. XXXTentacion, whose real name is Jahseh Onfroy, was reportedly shot by at least one of the unidentified men, before they both fled the scene in Deerfield Beach in a dark-coloured SUV.
Police officials in Broward County said that Onfroy - who was often described as one of rap's most controversial artists - was then taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Now, footage has emerged of a video Onfroy posted a few months ago on Instagram, in which he seemingly foreshadowed his own demise.
"Worst thing comes to worst, I f*king die a tragic death or some s*t — and I’m not able to see out my dreams — I at least want to know that the kids perceived my message and were able to make something of themselves and able to take my message and use it and turn it into something positive," the rapper said in the video. "And to at least have a good life."
“If I’m gonna die, or ever be a sacrifice, I want to make sure that my life made at least 5 million kids happy — or they found some sort of answers or resolve in my life. Regardless of the negative around my name," he added.
The rapper - who garnered a following after uploading his work to SoundCloud - was facing domestic violence charges in the months leading up to his death. Onfroy was arrested back in 2016 for allegedly assaulting his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Geneva Ayala, who claims to have been beaten by the 20-year-old regularly.
In an interview with the Miami New Times last month, Ayala described some of the abuse that she suffered at the hands of Onfroy. "His favourite thing was to just backhand my mouth," she asserted. "That always left welts inside my lips." Ayala also claimed that the Look at Me! lyricist would threaten suicide to stop her from leaving, noting how he'd often dangle a microwave over a bathtub filled with water.
Last October, Onfroy announced that he was donating $100,000 to domestic violence charities following media coverage regarding his relationship with Ayala. However, there is purportedly no proof of this transaction.
Tributes have been pouring in from hip-hop luminaries in the wake of Onfroy's death. "One of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. Let’s love each other while we’re alive. REST IN PEACE YOUNG KING." Sean "Diddy" Combs wrote about the rapper, who had repeatedly been hailed as a breakthrough talent.
Kanye West took to Twitter to state, "rest in peace. I never told you how much you inspired me when you were here thank you for existing."
Renowned documentarian, Louis Theroux, wrote "Notwithstanding personal demons, he was a huge talent & bringing a beautiful new feel to hip hop. So sad."