Lil Peep, a rapper who combined emo with rap to much acclaim from critics, fellow musicians and his fanbase alike, has died of a suspected overdose aged 21.
Speaking openly - whether in his music, interviews or social media - about mental health issues such as anxiety, experimentation with both prescription and recreational drugs and the nuances of his sexuality, he was an advocate for equal rights in a way no-one expects a young rapper to be. His cult fanbase have not only been enthralled by his melodies, but his tender approach to the shared struggles a lot of young people go through in 2017.
Born Gustav Åhr in New York, Peep began releasing mixtapes in 2015, and his death comes towards the end of his world tour promoting his debut album, Come Over When You’re Sober Part 1. The New York Times had heralded Peep as lo-fi rap’s ‘Kurt Cobain’ and he was hailed the future of emo by Pitchfork. He also modelled for *V Magazine *and clothing brand VLone.
Peep’s mental health struggles followed him on tour: he recently told Beats 1’s Zane Lowe that his anxiety 'is getting worse and worse’ on the road, and a recent Instagram post included the caption: ‘When I die You'll love me'
Manager Adam Grandmaison first tweeted that Peep had suffered an overdose:
And British manager Chase Ortega confirmed the desperately sad news of Peep’s passing on Twitter:
Tributes for Lil Peep are pouring in from across the music industry and far beyond. Lil Peep’s ex-girlfriend Bella Thorne posted an Instagram story of herself saying: ‘I just wanted to say anybody out there who’s a lil peep fan you guys know how talented he was you guys know how great he wasweld he was even more fucking great as a person’
And current girlfriend Arzaylea also uploaded a heartbreaking tribute to Instagram, reading: ‘I can’t believe I’m writing this. you’re in my heart. i’m always yours. i don’t have words to express what you’ve done for me in such little time. i love you so much. you live forever in me. i don’t know how to do any of this without you now… i love you so much i want to wake up from this nightmare’
Tributes have come in from musicians from Sam Smith to Diplo, and fellow rapper Lil B vowed to continue Peep’s compassionate stance towards women in his honour: tweeted that he’ll continue working against sexism in the industry on behalf of Lil Peep:
Lil Peep leaves behind a fanbase that Noisey describes as ‘substantial, obsessive and comprised largely of teens’, and the beginnings of a profound legacy.
The cause of death is as yet unconfirmed, but to cohere with Lil Peep's messages of openess about struggle, here are some people who can offer help if ever you need it.
If something is getting to you, the Samaritans offer help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, TalkToFrank also offer help.
If you are struggling with your sexuality or gender identity, the LGBT Foundation is offering help.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.