Rapper Luci4 Dies at 23: 'Nobody Like Him and There Will Never Be'

The young rapper was best known for his work in the microgenre sigilkore

NEED TO KNOW

• Rapper Luci4, born James Dear, died on Sunday, Feb. 22, in Los Angeles
• The rapper was 23 and was declared dead by the Los Angeles Fire Department around 11:40 a.m.
• His manager confirmed his death on Feb. 22, saying, “He was truly a leader a king and a musician and a genius”

Rapper Luci4, born James Dear, has died. He was 23. 

The Los Angeles rapper, who was best known for the hit "BodyPartz," died on Sunday, Feb. 22, at a private residence, according to a L.A. County Medical Examiner report. 

His grandparents said he died at a friend’s house, TMZ reports. They claim his wallet was empty when authorities arrived at the scene. 

Dear, who is also known as Axxturel, was declared dead upon the Los Angeles Fire Department's arrival around 11:40 a.m. The L.A. Police Department is now investigating the incident.

PEOPLE reached out to the LAFD and LAPD for comment. 

The young rapper was best known for his work in the microgenre sigilkore, a form of trap music that combines electronic and cloud rap. He first became popular on TikTok in 2021 and then signed with Atlantic Records. His hit song, "BodyPartz'' went gold and was certified by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2024, per TMZ.

In 2025, he released his album Vampmania 3, and at the start of 2026 he dropped several singles, including “Otw,” “Sleeve,” “B4 the Storm” and “#NEVERSURRENDER,” per Billboard.

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His manager, Kayla G, confirmed his death in a Feb. 22 TikTok, writing, “I am devastated to inform you that today, James, Luci4, Axxturel has passed away. He was truly a leader a king and a musician and a genius.”

“There’s nobody like him and there will never be. We all loved him dearly. Rest Easy,” she wrote. “Please allow family and friends privacy and patience during this difficult time.”

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