POPULAR young rapper Luci4 has died, according to his grandparents.
The young musician – best known for his viral hit “BodyPartz” – was just 23 years old.
His grandparents revealed to TMZ that he had died; however, his cause of death remains unknown.
Police have since launched a probe into his sudden death.
The rising star – whose real name was James Dear – passed away at a friend’s home in Los Angeles on February 22.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has since confirmed his death.
His grandparents told TMZ they felt suspicious about their grandson’s death.
They have alleged his wallet was completely emptied, saying they had recently warned him about the people he was surrounding himself with as his fame grew.
The circumstances around his death remain unclear.
The rapper’s grandparents said they are now waiting for the results of the police investigation.
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In a statement, the Los Angeles fire department said it had responded to a medical call at the house around 11.40am.
Sadly, he was already dead when help arrived, so the police were called.
It remains unclear if investigators suspect foul play.
Previously known by other stage names including Axxturel, 4jay, and Plasdu, Luci4 showed an interest in music and digital production at a young age.
His career began with music production, where he created beats and tracks that became popular online.
More recently, he had achieved viral fame through social media platforms including TikTok.
Pioneering the microgenre known online as sigilkore, he shot to fame with hit song “BodyPartz” in 2021.
The song was later recognised as a Gold hit by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
He also penned other popular tracks including All Eyez on Me and Kurxxed Emeraldz.
His success led to him signing with Atlantic Records.
His signing was considered a significant milestone for emerging internet-based artists.
It demonstrated the increasing influence of social media in discovering and promoting new talent.
Luci4 founded the collective Jewelxxet – a primary hub for sigilkore.
The genre is defined by dark, lo-fi atmospheres and bitcrushed vocals coupled with occult imagery.
He was popular largely among the underground music community; however, the new wave of experimental rappers including OsamaSon and Che have credited him as one of their influences.
The young rapper still frequently engaged with his fans and the online music community, staying connected with his roots as an online artist.
His death has sent shock waves through the music community, as fans share their grief online in an outpouring of tributes to social media.
“His 2020/21 run will never b forgotten he changed tiktok,” one person said.
Another posted, “That’s insane wtf.”
“Damn. I’ve been actively listening to him since 2021 casually. Was never a super fan but I have six solid songs that get played weekly. It’s always who u least expect. It makes me so sad listening to songs frm dead artists, never thought I would ever get that sentiment w his,” posted a third.
Another mourner said: “RIP TO A KING.”
“He was definitely one of my favorite artists to listen to during covid era,” said another.
Others have said he “really influenced a whole wave of music”, with some even listening to his songs as early as today.
“I was bumping his music so loud earlier today lil did I know he was gon die the same day,” a fan posted.