Updated: February 24, 2026, 07:23 AM IST
The shocking and tragic passing of rapper Luci4 (real name James Dear) has left fans and the music world reeling. The rising star, known for his groundbreaking work in the sigilkore genre and the viral hit “BodyPartz,” died at just 23 years old on February 22, 2026, in Los Angeles. While details about his parents remain private and largely undisclosed in public sources, his grandparents—James Dears and Brenda Dears—have been vocal about their grief and suspicions surrounding his sudden death. They raised him in the Watts neighborhood of LA, where he lived with them, highlighting a close-knit family dynamic despite the limited information on his biological parents.
This blog post explores what we know about Luci4’s parents, family background, early life, and legacy, based on the latest reports as of February 24, 2026.
Table of Contents
Who Was Rapper Luci4? A Quick Overview
Luci4, born James Dear on August 2, 2002, in Los Angeles, California, was an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who pioneered the sigilkore subgenre—a dark, distorted trap style blending occult vibes, heavy production, and underground energy. He started as a producer under aliases like 4jay, contributing beats to artists in collectives such as SpaceGhostPurrp’s BMB Deathrow. His breakout came in 2021 with tracks exploding on TikTok, leading to a deal with Atlantic Records.
- Key hits: “BodyPartz” (certified gold in 2024), “All Eyez on Me,” “Ave Domina Lilith,” and more
- Style: Experimental, genre-blending, with roots in SoundCloud rap
- Other aliases: Axxturel, Lucifer, Plasdu, XaTuring
His music resonated deeply with online communities, amassing millions of streams and inspiring a new wave of creators.
Luci4’s Family Background and Upbringing
Public details about Luci4’s parents are scarce, as the artist kept much of his personal life private. Reports indicate he was primarily raised by his grandparents in Watts, a tough but vibrant part of South Los Angeles. His grandfather, James Dears (sharing the same first name), and grandmother, Brenda Dears, have been the most prominent family voices in recent news.
- Lived with grandparents in Watts neighborhood
- Grandparents described him as a “good boy” who was “just getting his life together”
- They expressed concerns about his growing circle of friends as fame increased
- No confirmed public info on biological parents’ names, occupations, or direct involvement
This grandparent-led upbringing is common in many LA families facing challenges, and it seems to have shaped Luci4’s resilience and creativity from a young age.
The Role of Grandparents in Luci4’s Life
Luci4’s grandparents played a central, nurturing role. They were the ones who discovered him and attempted CPR when tragedy struck. In heartfelt statements to media outlets like TMZ, they shared:
- Warnings about the people around him amid rising fame
- Suspicion over circumstances, including an emptied wallet and possible bruising
- Deep love: “My grandson was a good boy”
Their openness has fueled ongoing investigations by LA authorities, though the official cause of death remains pending.
Luci4’s Rise and Tragic End
From early production work in his teens to viral TikTok fame, Luci4’s journey was meteoric yet short. He blended genres fearlessly, influencing sigilkore’s growth. Sadly, his life ended abruptly at a friend’s home on February 22, 2026. His manager, Kayla G, paid tribute: “He was truly a leader, a king, a musician, and a genius. There’s nobody like him and there will never be.”
Fans continue to stream his music in remembrance, and tributes flood social media.
Key Facts About Luci4 at a Glance
Here’s a quick table summarizing essential details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | James Dear |
| Stage Names | Luci4, Axxturel, 4jay, Lucifer |
| Birth Date | August 2, 2002 |
| Age at Passing | 23 |
| Date of Death | February 22, 2026 |
| Birthplace/Origin | Los Angeles, California (Watts area) |
| Primary Family | Raised by grandparents (James Dears & Brenda Dears) |
| Parents Info | Not publicly detailed |
| Breakthrough Hit | “BodyPartz” (viral on TikTok, gold-certified) |
| Genre Pioneered | Sigilkore |
| Labels | Bad Realm, Atlantic Records |
Conclusion: Remembering a True Original
Luci4’s story is one of raw talent, underground innovation, and heartbreaking brevity. While questions linger about his parents and the full circumstances of his passing, his grandparents’ love and advocacy shine through as a testament to family bonds. His music—dark, inventive, and unapologetic—will live on, inspiring the next generation of creators.
Rest in peace, James Dear. The sigilkore scene—and the world—lost a pioneer far too soon. If you’re new to his work, start with “BodyPartz” and feel the energy that made him unforgettable.
What are your favorite Luci4 tracks? Share in the comments below—we’re all grieving together.