Rapper FXXXXY dead at 25 from medical procedure complications
Earlier this month he expressed gratitude on social media for all the love and support from fans.
Dallas rapper and producer FXXXXY (born Maudell Watkins) died last week from complications following a routine medical procedure.
The 25-year-old artist was signed to Future’s FreeBandz label. He engineered the song “Solitaires” from the rapper’s recent High Off Life album.
Details about what caused Watkins’ death have not been revealed, Billboard reports.
“We are all deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of FXXXXY and offer our sincerest condolences to his family, his team, friends and thousands of fans,” said IGA executive vice president Joie Manda in a statement. “Everyone who came into FXXXXY’s orbit was moved by his positive energy and spirit. His talent was undeniable. He was an important member of our IGA family and it’s heartbreaking that he was taken from all of us too soon.”
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Watkins’ family said in a statement that they are “totally shocked and devastated at his unexpected and unforeseen passing. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to his many friends and acquaintances who’ve reached out to us in this extremely difficult time. He lived music with every breath he took and his focus and drive were unmatched. May his contributions to the music industry live forever. CC 4 Life!”
The rapper/producer’s rise to fame began after working with Future on his 2019 EP Save Me. He also collaborated with Gunna (“Need U”) and Lil Durk (“Follow Me”) on singles. In 2016, FXXXXY released the album Cartel Shawty and the following year he dropped Flawed Up Shawty. His most recent release is the single “Paranoia/ #1 Stunna.”
“Flawed Up Shawty is me trying to stay sane and avoid the darkness that this type of recognition swallows people in,” Watkins explained to Complex in 2017. “It’s me trying to cope with losing a relationship with somebody that held me down for so long and shooting shots at everybody who’s been sneak dissing as if we don’t see them. It’s a lot more aggressive and less caring—letting the listener hear my flaws and things that’s not attractive. ‘Flawed up’ is slang for having this strong confidence even though you’re not beautiful to the world or maybe looked at as not valuable.”
Baby Shad, who helped manage Watkins, reacted to his death on Twitter, writing “Rest In Peace,” and “Long Live Fxxxxy.”
Anthony Saleh of Watkins’ management team at Emagen Entertainment Group said, “The FBG team and I are extremely crushed by unexpected news about our brother, FXXXXY. He not only was one of us but, he was the most uplifting and positive whenever he was around. And when he wasn’t around, he made sure to share his light with you from afar. We will never be able to make sense of this no matter how hard we try but will do our best to honor his memory. Rip FBG FOX.”
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Future noted on his Instagram Stories that his last conversation with Watkins was “Jus yesterday” and that he’s “GONE WAY TOO SOON,” he wrote.
Fans and fellow artists have been expressing condolences online amid news of his death.
Earlier this month, Watkins expressed gratitude on social media for all the love and support from fans.
“Thank u to every single message,” he shared on Instagram. “Every single person that comment CC. Every single person that play my s–t wit they friends. Every single person who get defensive when my name come up. I can’t wait to prove u right n show u that luv back.”
Funeral services are reportedly being planned in Watkins’ hometown of Dallas.
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