'Nobody like him.' Rapper Luci4, viral 'BodyPartz' star, dies at 23
Rapper luci4, who rose to prominence with the viral single "BodyPartz, " has died at 23, a development confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The announcement and family and management statements have prompted an active police inquiry into the circumstances of his death.
Medical examiner confirmation and unknown cause of death
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that the artist born James Dear passed away; the examiner has not yet determined a cause of death. The medical confirmation is the formal acknowledgment of his passing while the reason for his death remains unknown.
Grandparents say he died Feb. 22 at a friend's house in Los Angeles
His grandparents said he died on February 22 sometime at a friend’s house in Los Angeles. They told investigators they do not yet know what happened and described themselves as suspicious, saying 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. The family is waiting on answers from police.
Emergency response timeline and crime scene
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical call at the house at 11: 40 AM ET, but when crews arrived the person was already deceased and police were notified. Law enforcement established a crime scene on arrival and the investigation is ongoing; it is unclear whether foul play is suspected.
Luci4’s manager statement and fan tributes
His manager, Kayla G, confirmed his death in a post late Sunday, February 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 left tributes in response to the manager’s message. 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, " while another said, "RIP axxturel you will be missed you have been my top 3 since 6 grade you will always be remembered!"
Career highlights: "BodyPartz, " sigilkore and Atlantic deal
Luci4 made waves online as a pioneer of the internet microgenre sigilkore and as part of the underground krushclub subgenre, blowing up online in 2021. He began his career as a producer in Spaceghostpurrp’s BMB Deathrow collective and also performed under the alias Axxturel. His breakthrough came with the "BodyPartz" single in 2021, which led to a deal with Atlantic Records; "BodyPartz" was certified gold by the RIAA in 2024 and its apocalyptic visual has compiled more than 4 million views online.
Recent releases and catalog
Luci4 released the album Vampmania 3 last year and released a handful of singles in 2026, including "Otw" earlier in February as well as "Sleeve, " "B4 the Storm" and "#NEVERSURRENDER. " The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office has been contacted for comment as investigators continue their work.
