Musical Artists Who’ve Done Terrible, Shady, Bad Bad Things

Can you separate the art from the artist? I mean, do you listen to songs just as songs but ignore the person behind the music? Or do you want to know the person who made it intimately?

Because, unfortunately, some musical artists have more checkered pasts than others. And these artists who did bad things just might ruin your favorite song.

XXXTentacion

artists who did bad things
IMAGE BY: Narcity

On June 18, 2018, rapper XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Onfroy, was shot and killed at the age of 20. During his short life, he changed the rap landscape with his abrasive, emo-influenced sound.

But he also regularly committed acts of violence, having been charged with several felonies ranging from robbery and witness tampering, to abuse of his pregnant girlfriend.

Tekashi6ix9ine

artists who did bad things
IMAGE BY: Vulture

As of this writing, two things are true: Rapper Tekashi6ix9ine (born Daniel Hernandez) released a hit album called Dummy Boy featuring luminaries like Nicki Minaj and Kanye West. And, he’s currently awaiting trial for life in prison for racketeering. Before this case, he’s been charged with domestic abuse and inappropriate contact with a minor.

In the latter case, he pleaded guilty.

R. Kelly

artists who did bad things
IMAGE BY: People

Thanks in part to the Lifetime documentary series Surviving R. Kelly, we’re now becoming aware of the extent of the R&B superstar’s crimes against humanity. He’s been accused of inappropriate contact with minors for years, including an infamous tape, but was always acquitted.

But now, revelations are pouring in of Kelly’s maintaining a cult of victims, all undergoing tortuous circumstances and actions.

Queen

artists who did bad things
IMAGE BY: Billboard

In 1984, rock band Queen was at the height of their powers. So they embarked on a world tour, including a nine day stint in Sun City, South Africa.

There was just one problem: South Africa was in the middle of apartheid, an institutional practice of segregation by race.

The UN advocated for a worldwide disinvestment practice, to put economic and cultural pressure on South Africa to stop apartheid. Queen played anyway, citing their desire to play for the fans.