Rapper XXXTentacion shot and killed in South Florida; no arrests or motive yet

Andrea Mandell | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Why the death of rapper XXXTentacion caused controversy The death of controversial rapper XXXTentacion brought mixed reactions from fans and critics.

Rapper XXXTentacion was shot in South Florida on Monday, USA TODAY has confirmed.

The rapper (real name: Jahseh Onfroy) was gunned down outside of a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida, the Broward County Sheriff's Office told USA TODAY. Police told the Associated Press that the shooting happened during an apparent robbery attempt.

Rescue workers transferred the 20-year-old to North Broward Hospital. At 5:40 p.m. ET, local police tweeted that "the adult male that was taken to the hospital has been pronounced dead."

Authorities in Florida say they're searching for two suspects in the fatal shooting. However, investigators don’t have a motive, and no arrests have been made.

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 SUV.

Investigators say the shooting may have been a possible robbery.

XXXTentacion began to gain mainstream attention in early 2017 after uploading his single, "Look at Me!" to Soundcloud. His album "17" landed at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, and in March, XXXTentacion’s album “?” debuted at No. 1.

The adult male victim has been confirmed as 20 year old Jahseh Onfroy aka rapper #XXXTentacion. — Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) June 18, 2018

But the Florida native was a controversial figure, and had many run-ins with the law. He was currently awaiting trial on charges including domestic battery, aggravated battery and false imprisonment against his pregnant girlfriend stemming from 2016.

According to the "Miami New Times," his ex Geneva Ayala's depositions "detail a pattern of regular, torturous abuse that summer, with daily verbal attacks and physical incidents every three or four days."

According to Ayala's statement, he beat her at times, choked her, broke clothes hangers on her legs, threatened to chop off her hair or cut out her tongue, pressed knives or scissors to her face, and held her head under water in their bathroom while promising to drown her.

Reaction from the music community came pouring in following news of Xxxtentacion's death.

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.

rest in peace 🙏🙏🙏 I never told you how much you inspired me when you were here thank you for existing pic.twitter.com/QU7DR3Ghbw — KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) June 18, 2018

Tyga said he was "so sad to lose a good artist."

Really sad Rip xxx.. so sad to lose good artist. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 — T-Raww (@Tyga) June 18, 2018

Using NSFW language, J. Cole credited the rapper with "enormous talent and limitless potential and a strong desire to be a better person. God bless his family, friends and fans."

Lil Yachty said: "We must support his legacy."

We must support his legacy. — king of the youth (@lilyachty) June 18, 2018

Jidenna also mourned the loss of the 20-year-old.

"R.I.P @xxxtentacion No one can be so self-righteous that they are happy when a youth dies. The young still have the capability to reform. God bless the kids," he tweeted.

R.I.P @xxxtentacion No one can be so self-righteous that they are happy when a youth dies. The young still have the capability to reform. God bless the kids. #xxxtentacion — Jidenna (@Jidenna) June 18, 2018

Contributing: The Associated Press