Luci4: luci4 dead at 23 after wallet allegedly 'completely emptied'
luci4, the rapper born James Dear, has died at 23. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed his death on February 22, 2026, but the cause of death remains unknown.
Luci4's death and timeline
James Dear, who performed as Luci4, was found deceased at a friend’s house in Los Angeles on February 22, 2026. His grandparents say he died sometime that day in the early hours and that they do not know what happened. They described feeling suspicious and said his wallet was "completely emptied. " They said they had recently warned him about the people he had been spending time with as his fame grew, and they are now waiting on answers from the police.
Scene and emergency response
The Los Angeles Fire Department said it responded to a medical call at the house at 11: 40 AM, but when crews arrived the person was already deceased and police were notified. Law enforcement set up a crime scene upon arrival and the investigation is ongoing. It is unclear whether foul play is suspected.
Career and sigilkore origins
Luci4 rose to prominence as a pioneer of the internet microgenre sigilkore. He first blew up on TikTok in 2021 with the viral single "BodyPartz, " which later went gold, certified by the Recording Industry Association of America. He eventually signed with Atlantic Records. He was widely credited with helping define sigilkore, a style noted in the record of his career for its experimental production and internet-native aesthetics.
Names, collective and recordings
Born on August 2, 2002, James Dear performed under several stage names over his career, including Axxturel, 4jay and Plasdu. He founded the collective Jewelxxet, which became a central hub for sigilkore. Other popular tracks included "All Eyez on Me" and "Kurxxed Emeraldz, " which contributed to his rise and to the deal with Atlantic Records.
Reactions, influence and finances
News of his death prompted tributes and shock among fans and within the music community. Fans wrote messages that captured the breadth of reaction, including: "His 2020/21 run will never b forgotten he changed tiktok. " Others posted, "That's insane wtf. " Additional messages read: "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. " Shorter posts included, "RIP TO A KING, " and "He was definitely one of my favorite artists to listen to during covid era. " Other fans wrote, "Oh my god no way…rip an absolute legend, " and "He really influenced a whole wave of music it’s a shame such a talented person passed away. " One fan added, "what?? omg- i loved his music man, he got me into sigilkore music besides odetari. i hope he rests easy. " Another wrote, "I was bumping his music so loud earlier today lil did I know he was gon die the same day. "
Industry commentary in the record of his career credited Luci4 with influencing a new wave of experimental rappers, naming OsamaSon and Che as artists shaped by that influence. At the time of his death his net worth was estimated at around $6. 5 million USD (approx. ).
Additional note
The provided context also notes that Jessica Johanna Oseguera González is the U. S. -born daughter of alleged Mexican cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, the head of the Cartel Jalisco. Unclear in the provided context whether this detail relates to Luci4's death.
His grandparents, emergency responders and law enforcement remain central to the ongoing inquiry into the circumstances of his passing, and officials have not released a cause of death.
