robbed

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.

HIP HOP TRAGEDY

Rapper Lil Poppa, 25, dies of ‘gunshot wound to head’

GUNNED DOWN

Rapper Lil OT shot dead in shopping mall car park in ‘targeted’ attack

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.

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.

This coming of age film set in 1950s Mexico City and Ecuador starring a famous Hollywood star has had fans praising it as ‘fascinating’ and ‘leaving a lasting impression’

A period drama set in the 1950s and starring a Hollywood actor was ‘robbed of an Oscar’ fans have declared – and it’s being shown on BBC2 tonight.

Queer is set in 1950s Mexico City and Ecuador and the film follows an outcast American expatriate (played by James Bond star Daniel Craig) who becomes infatuated with a much younger man called Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), leading them on a surreal, trippy journey to South America.

The movie premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in 2024, and is based on the 1985 novella by William S. Burroughs.

The film might have almost been overshadowed by Craig’s more prominent roles as James Bond, but fans have had nothing but praise for the star in this film.

Reviews have praised the drama as one person posted on ratings website Rotten Tomatoes, where it has a decent score of 77 percent: “Daniel Craig was robbed a nomination for this role. He’s outstanding in this. A surprisingly funny movie too. Very sad ending that will sit with me for a while.”

Another person shared: “Stars Daniel Craig and Lesley Manville in an A24 Production. Atmospheric period 50s and well-wrought of production design. The lighting and set decoration are a joy to behold, and score is beautiful, moody and modern.

“Perhaps the daring subject keeps it in the media periphery, but I thought this was a well-intentioned, well-crafted period picture about the bold life of a bold man.

“Craig’s performance is as pained as it is exacting, revealing a depth of the actor that i hadn’t seen in his formulaic action pictures.”

“Daniel Craig delivers a performance that’s both sharp and searching, proof that his craft is never on autopilot. Paired with a taut, enigmatic narrative, this film refuses to sit quietly in the corner of cinema—it’s something stranger, bolder, and far more magnetic,” said a third.

A fourth posted: “Really likes this film great acting and directing, I read the book like years ago and it fascinated me as a young fella, putting on screen was well done by the director.”

Another shared: “Very realistic yet conceptual. It was interesting to see how each chapter was narrated in their own way, slowly turning conceptual and almost abstract.”

A fifth wrote: “It leaves a lasting impression. It’s strange, not so much because of the relationship between the two protagonists — which is actually quite common, with one refusing to acknowledge his homosexuality and ending up torturing the other to exhaustion, remaining cold and emotionally indifferent — but because of certain scenes that strongly recall the world of David Lynch.

“Knowing what William S. Burroughs’ life was like, it’s clear that the film is very much inspired by his own life experience. Daniel Craig is impeccable. And the music is magnificent.”

Queer airs on Tuesday 10 February on BBC2 at 11pm.