Kemi Iruwa

The Story of XXXTENTACION’S Life, Death and Legacy as Documented by FADER Films

Updated: Dec 5, 2023

New York based independent creative entertainment company, FADER Films will release Look At Me: XXXTENTACION, an exclusive production following the life of one of Soundcloud's most streamed artists of all time including the never-before-seen interview In His Own Words: XXXTENTACION via Altavod on November 22nd.

The posthumous film directed by Sabaah Folayan will delve into the backstory and coming-of age of Jahseh Onfroy, known as the rapper XXXTENTACION, who rose to fame in 2016 after uploading the song Look At Me to Soundcloud. Close friends and family will speak out for the first time giving their honest perspectives on the rapper’s life and career, from his controversial and polarising persona to his tragic death at the age of 20 in June 2018. The documentary will also raise questions on subjects that were prevalent in Onfroy’s tumultuous life such as mental health, his absentee father, domestic abuse and women’s’ rights.

In His Own Words: XXXTENTACION, an unreleased interview (co-directed by Lesley Steele and Rob Stone) which was shot in 2017, provides viewers with Onfroy’s raw, unfiltered opinions ranging from his self-perception to his place in society and will act as the rapper’s own testimonial alongside those from people in his inner circle.

As a whole, the film documentary produced by FADER Films with the support of Cleopatra Bernard (Onfroy's mother) and Solomon Sobande (manager of the estate) serves as an objective look into an industry that demands a large personality from artists without reinforcing the need for understanding their complexities.

A portion of all proceeds from the online release will also be going to The National Alliance on Mental Illness (the US’ largest grassroots mental health organisation) as well as other organisations focused on community wellness and supporting people with mental illness.

Words by Kemi Iruwa