Rapper Luci4 Dead at 23: 'There's Nobody Like Him'

The Los Angeles rapper, also known as Axxturel, was a trailblazer in the SoundCloud sigilkore and underground krushclub genres.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Los Angeles rapper Luci4, whose real name was James Dear, has died at the age of 23. His manager Kayla G confirmed his passing on TikTok, stating that Luci4 was 'truly a leader a king and a musician and a genius' and that 'there's nobody like him and there will never be.' A cause of death was not revealed.

Why it matters

Luci4 was an influential figure in the SoundCloud and underground music scenes, pioneering the sigilkore and krushclub genres. His 2021 single 'Bodypartz' earned him a record deal and gold certification, showcasing his impact on the industry at a young age.

The details

Luci4 got his start as a producer in Spaceghostpurrp's BMB Deathrow collective before breaking through as a solo artist. He released his album Vampmania 3 last year and had been releasing new singles in 2026, including 'Otw,' 'Sleeve,' 'B4 the Storm,' and '#NEVERSURRENDER.' Fans have paid tribute to the rapper, expressing how much his music meant to them.

  • Luci4 died on February 22, 2026.
  • His manager Kayla G posted the confirmation of his death on TikTok late on February 22, 2026.

The players

Luci4

A 23-year-old Los Angeles rapper, also known as James Dear and Axxturel, who was a trailblazer in the SoundCloud sigilkore and underground krushclub genres.

Kayla G

Luci4's manager, who confirmed his death on TikTok.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Kayla G, Luci4's Manager (TikTok)

“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.”

— Fan (TikTok)

“RIP axxturel you will be missed you have been my top 3 since 6 grade you will always be remembered!”

— Fan (TikTok)

What’s next

Billboard has reached out to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office for comment on the cause of Luci4's death.

The takeaway

Luci4's passing at just 23 years old is a tragic loss for the music community, as he was a pioneering and influential figure in the SoundCloud and underground rap scenes. His unique sound and artistry will be deeply missed by his devoted fans.