For Millennials. By Millennials.
The late US rapper XXXTentacion, who was shot dead last year, had one final gift to give the world before he left: his newborn son, Gekyume! About seven months after the artist’s death, his girlfriend Jenesis Sanchez gave birth to a baby boy. The news was shared via an Instagram story on Saturday by XXXTentacion’s mom, Cleopatra Bernard.
A joint statement from Sanchez and Bernard read:
“We’re happy to confirm that Baby and Mother are healthy.”
They said they were “thrilled” at the arrival of Gekyume Onfroy.
XXXTentacion’s Death
The pregnancy was revealed last June, shortly after the rapper was shot and killed in Florida at 20. XXXTentacion, whose real name is Jahseh Onfroy, died in June 2018 in what authorities called an attempted robbery. Four people have been arrested in connection with the shooting but have pleaded not guilty.
What About the Baby?
Shortly after the rapper’s death, his mother confirmed that Sanchez was expecting their first child, later revealing it was a boy. Sadly, Gekyume was born without a father. But XXXTentacion wasn’t known to be a model father figure as he led a gangster lifestyle.
Allegations of domestic violence-plagued his personal life. The rapper faced 15 felony charges at the time of his death, including aggravated battery of a pregnant woman in 2016, domestic battery by strangulation, and witness tampering. In October 2018, audio emerged of the rapper admitting to assaulting his ex-girlfriend and stabbing nine people.
Even though every child needs two parents, having one is sometimes better. However, what kind of a father XXXTentacion would’ve been can’t be judged. Nonetheless, it’s safe to say that his baby is well cared for. Sanchez will have full custody of Gekyume and act as his primary caretaker. Moreover, the rapper’s mother also seems to care a lot about the baby.
“Yume has officially arrived,” she had written on her Instagram Story, along with a baby emoji.
She also said:
“He left us a final gift.”
How XXXTentacion Chose His Newborn Son’s Name
The rapper’s mother, Bernard, also revealed that XXXTentacion chose the name for his son before he died. In her words:
“Gekyume’s name is derived from a word X created prior to his passing, which means ‘a different state’ or ‘next’ universe of thought.”
According to a family statement given to Complex, Yume is short for Gekyume.
“XXXTentacion specifically chose this name for his first-born son; his family is honored to fulfill his wish and shower baby Gekyume with love.”