Rapper XXXTentacion shot dead in Florida

Troubled rapper-singer XXXTentacion was shot and killed Monday in Florida in what police called an apparent robbery attempt, authorities said.

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 outside a Deerfield Beach motorcycle dealership.

XXXTentacion had been at Riva Motorsports checking out inventory, the sheriff's office said. He was in a black luxury vehicle and preparing to leave when two armed suspects approached him. At least one of them fired, and then both suspects fled the scene in a dark-coloured SUV. Investigators have not yet found a motive, and no arrests have been made.

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Stephanie Martinez, a 29-year-old mother who lives in the neighbourhood, was just returning home with her children 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 Ms Martinez. "It's just weird because he should have 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 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, 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 BIG 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 magazine last year.

But much of his brief career was 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, for which he was jailed. 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 subsequently from house arrest earlier this year to allow him to tour. His album "?'' was released in March and went to No. 1.

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 relatives 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 backpedalled and said it would no longer attempt to police conduct and it 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 he addressed it in his music.

In one video posted to social media, he said: "If worse things come to worse, I ... die a tragic death or some ... 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: "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."