'BodyPartz' Rapper Luci4 Dead at 23; luci4 Confirmed by Family and Officials
luci4, the 23-year-old rapper best known for the viral hit "BodyPartz, " has died, the L. A. County Medical Examiner confirmed. His manager Kayla G posted on TikTok late Sunday, Feb. 22, and relatives say he was found at a friend’s house in Los Angeles.
Luci4's death and timeline
The artist born James Dear passed away on February 22, family members said. His grandparents told reporters he died sometime at a friend’s house in Los Angeles, and they said they do not yet know what happened. The L. A. County Medical Examiner confirmed his death but listed the cause of death as unknown.
Emergency response and crime scene
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 opened an investigation; their investigation is ongoing. It is unclear whether foul play is suspected.
Family concerns and emptied wallet
Grandparents said they were suspicious about the circumstances surrounding his death. 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 are now waiting on answers from police.
Manager statement and fan reaction
His manager Kayla G confirmed the death in a TikTok post late Sunday (Feb. 22). She wrote: "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. Please allow family and friends privacy and patience during this difficult time. "
Fans paid tribute in the TikTok comments. One 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. " Another added: "RIP axxturel you will be missed you have been my top 3 since 6 grade you will always be remembered!"
Career: sigilkore, krushclub and Atlantic deal
luci4 rose to prominence online as a pioneer of the internet microgenre sigilkore, blowing up on TikTok in 2021. He got his start as a producer in Spaceghostpurrp’s BMB Deathrow collective and became a trailblazer within SoundCloud’s sigilkore scene as well as the underground’s krushclub subgenre. His breakout single, "BodyPartz, " exploded across social media and went gold, certified by the Recording Industry Association of America; the single earned him a deal with Atlantic Records. One report noted "Bodypartz" became certified gold by the RIAA in 2024, and the track’s apocalyptic visual has compiled more than 4 million views on YouTube.
Recent releases and last album
He released the album Vampmania 3 last year and delivered a handful of singles in 2026 on streaming platforms, including "Otw" earlier in February, as well as "Sleeve, " "B4 the Storm" and "#NEVERSURRENDER. "
A publication reached out to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office for comment.
Authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances of James Dear’s death. Family, management and fans have publicly mourned, and officials have said they will provide further details as the inquiry proceeds.
