'BodyPartz' Rapper Luci4 Dead at 23; manager confirms luci4 has died
Los Angeles rapper luci4, born James Dear, has died at 23, his manager and the county medical examiner confirmed. The L. A. County Medical Examiner says he passed away but his cause of death remains unknown.
Timeline and location of death
Grandparents told TMZ that Dear died on February 22 sometime at a friend’s house in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Fire Department says 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.
Family concerns and emptied wallet
His grandparents said they do not know what happened yet and that they are suspicious. They said his wallet was completely emptied and that they had recently warned him about the people he’d been spending time with as his fame started taking off. They said they are now waiting on answers from the police.
Police response and investigation
Law enforcement sources set up a crime scene upon arrival at the location and their investigation is ongoing. It is unclear whether foul play is suspected. The L. A. County Medical Examiner has confirmed Dear’s death but the cause remains unknown.
Manager statement from Kayla G
Manager Kayla G confirmed the death in a TikTok post late Sunday, 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. " She added, "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. "
Career, aliases and breakthrough
Born James Dear, luci4 also went by the alias Axxturel and began his career as a producer in Spaceghostpurrp's BMB Deathrow collective. He grew into a trailblazer for the internet microgenre sigilkore and for part of SoundCloud’s scene and the underground’s krushclub subgenre. He blew up on TikTok in 2021 and eventually landed a deal with Atlantic Records.
‘BodyPartz, ’ certifications and recent releases
His single "BodyPartz" (also referenced as "Bodypartz") exploded across social media and went gold, certified by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2024. The apocalyptic visual for the track has compiled more than 4 million views on YouTube. Luci4 released the album Vampmania 3 last year and delivered several singles in 2026 on DSPs, including "Otw" earlier in February, as well as "Sleeve, " "B4 the Storm" and "#NEVERSURRENDER. "
Fan reactions and tributes
Fans paid tribute in comments on Kayla G’s post. One fan wrote: "Rip da goat 4jay, Axxturel, Skkkult3x, Prynce Axxturel, Axx, 4jay X Luci4, Luci4, Lucifer, Noktifer, Gebhuza gon be missed fr bro would be the only thing id listen too during 2020-2023, " while another added: "RIP axxturel you will be missed you have been my top 3 since 6 grade you will always be remembered!"
A music industry publication has reached out to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office for comment.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of James Dear’s death. Family, friends and fans have publicly expressed shock and grief, and officials have not yet determined a cause of death.
