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Lil Peep Dead at 21
Lil Peep, a rising rapper and singer out of Long Island, who was credited with popularizing an emo-trap sound, died in Tucson, Ariz. on Wednesday (Nov. 15) of a suspected drug overdose. He was 21.
A spokesman for the Tucson Police Department said officers found evidence suggesting that Peep, born Gustav Åhr, died of an overdose of the anti-anxiety medication Xanax, according to The New York Times.
First Access Entertainment CEO Sarah Stennett confirmed the burgeoning star’s death. “I am shocked and heartbroken,” she said in a statement. “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.”
Stennett also passed along words from Peep’s family. “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 added. “She is truly grateful to the fans and the people who have supported and loved him.”
Chase Ortega, the artist’s manager, tweeted: “I’ve been expecting this call for a year. Mother fuck.”
Peep was a rising star with more than 1 million followers on Instagram and hundreds of thousands of followers and subscribers on Twitter and YouTube. Some critics praised his work in blending emo/pop/punk with rap’s trap sound on songs like “Awful Things,” “Benz Truck,” and “The Brightside.”
His debut album, Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 1, dropped in August following a slew of mixtapes and EPs. His popularity continued to grow, and New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica even likened him to “the scene’s Kurt Cobain.”
Many mourned Peep’s death on social media, including Sam Smith, who called it “so desperately sad.” Charli XCX said she was “enthralled” by his work and that “we have lost something special.” Diplo called him a constant inspiration and said “peep had so much more to do.”
Seeing the news of Lil Peep is so desperately sad
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) November 16, 2017
lil peep passing is such a tragedy. i remember hearing him for the first time and being so enthralled. love to all his family, friends and fans. we have lost something special. R.I.P.
— CHARLI XCX (@charli_xcx) November 16, 2017
peep had so much more to do man he was constantly inspiring me. I dont feel good man
— diplo (@diplo) November 16, 2017
💔💔I’m never gonna be ok. I’ll always love u, we became best friends and made some of the best music I have ever been apart of. I’m gonna miss u forever “Little”. Always in my heart and soul. Thank u for being my real friend.🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 pic.twitter.com/E1DhI2Fqlu
— Master Magician (@iLoveMakonnen5D) November 16, 2017
Bella Thorne, who was once rumored to be dating Peep, also celebrated his life while mourning his passing. “Peep you deserved more out of life,” she tweeted. “Life didn’t do your greatness justice.”
Peep you deserved more out of life. Life didn't do your greatness justice
— bella thorne (@bellathorne) November 16, 2017