Rapper Luci4 has passed away at age 23.
A trailblazer in a niche genre of trap music called sigilkore, Luci4 – born James Dear – is behind the songs BodyPartz, All Eyez on Me, Ave Domina Lilith, and more.
His death was confirmed by his manager, Kayla G, who announced her client had died on Sunday, February 22.
The L.A. County Medical Examiner notes Luci4 passed at a private residence and with the cause of death being deferred.
Law enforcement sources told TMZ a crime scene was put in place by police when they arrived to the home where Luci4 had died, and his grandparents are now suspicious of his death.
The Los Angeles Fire Department arrived to the home at 11:40AM after receiving a medical call, however the individual had already passed when they arrived and police were contacted, the LAFD told TMZ.
A crime scene was established when police arrived, law enforcement sources told the publication.
An investigation is now underway and it’s not yet known if foul play is being considered.
His grandparents have also said Luci4 died on February 22 while spending time at a friend’s Los Angeles home. They are suspicious of his death.
They claimed that their grandson’s wallet was emptied and that they had recently urged him to be mindful of his circle amid his rising fame.
Now they are awaiting an explanation from police.
Luci4’s manager Kayla G revealed the loss with his followers, writing in a statement: ‘I am devastated to inform you that today James, Luci4, axxturel has passed away. He was truly a leader. A king. And musician. And a genius.
‘There’s nobody like him and there will never be. We all loved him dearly. Rest easy.
‘Please allow family and friends privacy and patience during this difficult time. Love you.’
The Atlantic Records artist, who also goes by Axxturel and 4Jay, is described on his Spotify bio as a ‘pioneer of Sigilkore,’ a niche genre of trap music dating back to the late 2010s originating from Soundcloud’s underground scene.
His signature style is marked by ‘dark, brooding lo-fi atmosphere, intricate and disorienting production, and pitched-up vocals layered with various DAW effects and tricks,’ according to his bio.
Visually, his art features heavy references to the devil, according to Pitchfork, with the visualizer for BodyPartz featuring a soldier unsuccessfully facing off against a demon.
Luci4’s music won over TikTokers, with a few of his songs going viral on the platform – including BodyPartz, which was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2024.