Emo rapper Lil Peep dies of suspected drug overdose, aged 21

The modern rap figurehead released his debut album this summer

By Tom Connick
Lil Peep

Lil Peep has died, aged just 21.

The emo rapper (real name Gustav Åhr) found fame this year through his sample-heavy, highly-emotional hip-hop tracks, which fused elements of punk, hip-hop and trap, and saw Peep write extensively about his troubles with depression and prescription medications.

The Guardian report that Peep’s manager Adam Grandmaison has confirmed the rapper was taken to hospital following an overdose. The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner has now confirmed the suspected cause of death to be a drug overdose, according to Pitchfork. It will be six to eight weeks for toxicology results to determine a definitive cause of death.

In a statement, Sarah Stennett, CEO of Lil Peep’s team at First Access Entertainment said: “I am shocked and heartbroken. I do not believe Peep wanted to die, this is so tragic. He had big goals and dreams for the future which he had shared with me, his team, his family and his friends. He was highly intelligent, hugely creative, massively charismatic, gentle and charming. He had huge ambition and his career was flourishing.

“I have spoken to his mother and she asked me to convey that she is very, very proud of him and everything he was able to achieve in his short life. She is truly grateful to the fans and the people who have supported and loved him.”

Lil Peep released his debut album ‘Come Over When You’re Sober (Part One)’ this September following widespread critical interest, with Pitchfork dubbing him “the future of emo” back in January.

As Billboard report, a number of fellow musicians have paid tribute to Lil Peep on social media, while Lil Peep’s manager Chase Ortega responded to the news by tweeting: “I’ve been expecting this call for a year. Mother fuck”.

Fellow rock-influenced rapper Post Malone wrote: “in the short time that i knew you, you were a great friend to me and a great person. your music changed the world and it’ll never be the same. i love you bud. forever”

Meanwhile, DJ Marshmallo reported that he was discussing a collaboration with Lil Peep just last week. “I cant even believe this. We were just talking last week about working on a song together and now you’re gone. You will be missed, R.I.P. @Lilpeep,” he wrote. “Peep was the nicest person. hanging out with him, talking to him about music, the song ideas we were going to do together and touring was so amazing. Everyone will miss you man.”

Fall Out Boy‘s Pete Wentz also joined those paying tribute, writing: No. Not lil peep. Theres something about this that hurts a little bit more…”

Diplo also shared some words of remembrance. “peep had so much more to do man he was constantly inspiring me,” he wrote. I dont feel good man”, while Beats 1 DJ Zane Lowe tweeted “So young. So sad.”

Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker shared his own tribute, indicating his heartbreak at the news, with Lil Yachty and Ty Dolla $ign also joining the tributes.

https://twitter.com/tydollasign/status/931054288670924800

Lil B shared a memory of Peep, writing: “I remember Lil peep telling me he is against the sexual abuse of women and people in the music industry… I will continue to push his vision thank you”

Lil Peep had been scheduled to perform in Tucson, Arizona last night (November 15) – the show was cancelled before his performance could take place.

More: ‘Am I depressed’ – help and advice on mental health and what to do next

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