2020 has been unforgiving. Not only are we in the midst of a global pandemic but large portions of the West Coast are also on fire and the smoke is billowing across the United States. As the COVID-19 death toll continues to rise, more sad news has fallen into the laps of Future’s Freebandz camp.
According to multiple social media posts, Freebandz artist FXXXXY has passed away. Future confirmed the news in an Instagram Story post that included a recent text conversation between the two. He wrote at the top, “Just yesterday….GONE WAY TOO SOON @flawedupshawty.”

Baby Shad, who’s reportedly on FXXXXY’s management team, also shared a tweet confirming the news on Thursday (September 17).
“Rest In Peace @FXXXXY214,” he wrote alongside a photo of the Dallas-bred rapper/producer. “CC forever.”
FXXXXY’s name started popping up in late 2016 when he dropped the HipHopDX-premiered Cartel Shawty EP, which included the standout single “20 Taliband.”
He followed up with Flawed Up Shawty the following year and seemed to be on his way. In a 2017 interview with Complex, he explained how Flawed Up Shawty helped him cope with his emotions.
“Flawed Up Shawty is me trying to stay sane and avoid the darkness that this type of recognition swallows people in,” he said at the time. “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. It’s a reaction to whatever situation you find yourself in. It’s making ugly beautiful because you have no choice.”
FXXXXY has also worked with Lil Durk and Gunna, among others. In 2019, he announced a new EP called Far From XXXX along with a single called “Home.” His latest single, “Paranoia/#1 Stunna,” arrived in August.
FXXXXY was in his early 20s at the time of his death and no details surrounding the cause have been released.
Way more attention when you die than when you’re alive.
You guys posted him ONE time.
Absolutely false. There are multiple posts on him, including an interview. Shuddit.
incorrect, i check this shit everyday, never even heard of dude… RIP
you can type his name in the search bar and articles will show..
Bitch shut up. You obviously talking out your ass
I bet a white supremacist killed him. Oh wait, no, he overdosed on drugs.
I hope to god you one of them white supremacist you speak of and not a sista who would defame his character by making accusations about him when it’s obvious you didn’t know him. I could understand that kind of hate from a white racist but if you are one of us your comment WOULD MAKE YOU A LOW DOWN #$@#% dumb B#$@%# for tearing down a man who didn’t smoke or drink.
This looks premeditated to me. One up Freebandz. Y’all niggaz be running shit.
y’all disrespectful in the comments, i personally knew dude and still have all his contact info from when we was working on beats and collabing.. he was smart and was one of futures engineer as well
Yea comments are gettin wild, people really need to have more compassion and class all around.
I’m sorry for your loss and sending my condolences to all the fam and friends.
I’m FXXXXY’s uncle. I’ve had to hold my tongue while seeing all the bs troll posts. You did NOT know him. I did. It took everything I had to not respond to this bs. He died after a surgical procedure that was supposed to be routine. He has complication unfortunately.
Family+ Statements:
Our Baby Boy…❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
INTERSCOPE GEFFEN A&M STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FXXXY
We can confirm that Interscope Geffen A&M artist FXXXY passed away after complications while undergoing a routine medical procedure.
IGA Executive Vice President Joie Manda commented:
“We are all deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of FXXXY and offer our sincerest condolences to his family, his team, friends and thousands of fans.
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.”
Family statement:
“The family of Maudell Watkins, aka FXXXXY, aka FBG Fox, 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!”
Statement from Anthony Saleh of Emagen Entertainment Group management:
“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”
Statement from Gelareh Rouzbehani of Rouz Group (management)
We are extremely shocked and devastated by the passing of Fxxxxy, a friend and dream client. A person who devoted his life to music. Fxxxxy had unwavering loyalty, undeniable work-ethic, and was a person of character and integrity. He always remained true to himself. Every person who was blessed enough to know him can attest to this. Our deepest condolences to the Watkins family. We love you kid.