XXXtentacion hairstyle among SA tributes to slain rapper

XXXtentacion, a rising US rapper who was killed at the young age of 20 on Monday, has inspired a flood of local tributes, including one man who has honoured the late artist by copying his haircut.

I will continue your legacy @XXXtentacion, I promise. Rest In Peace! pic.twitter.com/P6P59rB2kW

— Kevin Molat (@KevinMolat) June 19, 2018

The rapper, part of the “Soundcloud rapper” scene, was shot and killed in the state of Florida during an apparent robbery.

P Diddy, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West and J Cole were among the high-profile artists who sent heartfelt tributes out on social media following the rapper’s death.

Closer to home, Cassper Nyovest tweeted about the late rapper, relating his life situation to his beef with AKA following his allegation that the rapper had slapped him at a nightclub.

Many tributes from less famous South African fans have also been seen online, though so far no one’s fandom matches that of Tshenolo Molatlhegi, the young man from Vosloorus who got his own version of XXXtentacion’s distinctive haircut.

Xxxtentation’s death has had me sooooo fucked Up since yesterday. I initially heard about him through his beef with Drake stealing his flow. I am a drake fan so I thought I would hate him but fell in love with his music when I heard it. He was such an interesting artist. It’s sad

— Don Billiato (@casspernyovest) June 19, 2018

There’s a lot to learn from his life and death. For me personally, I need to learn how to avoid people who have less to lose than i do. The envy that rappers have is heavy. Niggas can get you hurt or killed just because they can’t stand your light. It’s pathetic.

— Don Billiato (@casspernyovest) June 19, 2018

Not everyone is mourning the rapper’s death, though.

His controversial past, which included a conviction for abusing his pregnant girlfriend and an interview in which he boasted about beating up a gay man while in prison, has led some to expressing a lack of sympathy over his untimely demise.

Its never good to make a funny or happy situation out of somebody's death, but somebody has to say it: dont change xxxtentacion's legacy bc he died young. He was a bad dude and his music was ass.

— Andy Sorensen (@keyshawn_11) June 20, 2018

https://twitter.com/dandelionxhands/status/1008876538090188806

Others feel that he should not be vilified after his death regardless of the bad things he did, and that expressing happiness over it is in bad taste.

https://twitter.com/rebeInature/status/1009599899657261058

Still can't believe people are happy @xxxtentacion is dead. Yes he WAS a shitty person and there is no excuse for what he did. Wishing death and being happy about death is disgusting though fr. Have some respect.

— cayden409 (@nocayden) June 20, 2018

Some also pointed out that at the time of his death the rapper was making an effort to right the wrongs of his past, and had donated money to several charities helping the victims of domestic violence.

https://twitter.com/nourrhamadd/status/1009383976191045632

Anyone sharing shit about xxxtentacion's alleged crimes needs to fucking quit. This man was on a road to being something really great donating 100,000 to domestic violence and starting his very own charity.

— … (@WWMLWL) June 20, 2018