The music industry was left in shock and sorrow on November 15, 2017, upon hearing the tragic news of Lil Peep’s untimely demise.
He was discovered unresponsive on his tour bus stationed outside The Rock in Tucson, Arizona, where he had been scheduled to perform later that night.
Despite valiant attempts to revive him, he was declared deceased at the location.
It was later determined that his passing resulted from a drug overdose, specifically due to a lethal combination of fentanyl and Xanax.
Who is Lil Peep?
Gustav Elijah Ahr, known by his stage name Lil Peep, gained popularity during the mid-late 2010s as a Swedish-American singer and rapper.
His distinctive emo-rap style resonated with audiences, particularly outcast youths, and various subcultures, due to his music’s themes.
Lil Peep’s deeply emotional songs and melancholic lyrics propelled him to become an underground sensation.
His impact was evident as he amassed over 80,000 fans on SoundCloud, garnered 112,000 followers on Instagram, and even secured a spot on Pitchfork’s esteemed Best Songs of the Year list in 2016.
Lil Peep’s Early Life
Lil Peep was born on November 1, 1996, in Allentown, Pennsylvania
He spent his formative years in Long Island, New York, with his parents, who had attained Harvard degrees, and his older brother.
Despite excelling academically, Lil Peep eventually withdrew from traditional public high school and pursued his diploma through online courses.
Lil Peep’s musical journey gained traction as he shared his compositions on platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube.
At 18, he left Long Island and relocated to Los Angeles, aiming to forge a professional music career and establish himself within the industry.
Rolling Stone magazine dubbed him “his generation’s Kurt Cobain,” as Lil Peep’s music evoked comparable emotional depth and melancholy.
Many of his songs centered around mental health struggles, drug use, and tumultuous relationships, resonating strongly with teenagers facing similar challenges.
Tragically, Lil Peep’s artistic success peaked just before his untimely passing.
Which Song Made Lil Peep Famous?
Lil Peep garnered significant media attention and emerged as a rising star in the music industry with the release of his second mixtape, Crybaby.
The mixtape showcased the standout single “The Brightside,” which became one of his most acclaimed works.
It garnered recognition and a substantial following and became one of the most streamed tracks on SoundCloud.
In 2016, Lil Peep further solidified his position as an up-and-coming artist by releasing his single “Benz Truck.”
The song received a positive reception from his fans and contributed to expanding his fan base.
Remarkably, it accumulated over 20 million streams on Spotify alone.
The accompanying music video for “Benz Truck” can be described as a piece of goth-pop art.
It features Lil Peep donning a vibrant neon fur coat while leaning against a gravestone and sporting a Benz cap while popping out of a Benz Truck’s sunroof.
The video’s visually striking colors and costumes make it a captivating watch, adding to its appeal.
What Did Lil Peep Take Before His Death?
The toxicology reports revealed that Lil Peep had ingested a lethal combination of fentanyl and Xanax, leading to his tragic demise.
Fentanyl, a potent opioid, possesses a strength 50 to 100 times greater than morphine, while Xanax is a prescription medication commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia treatment.
Opioids encompass substances such as heroin, fentanyl, codeine, and morphine.
Mixing these drugs with benzodiazepines like Xanax can have dire consequences.
Both drug categories depress the central nervous system, which regulates crucial functions such as breathing.
When taken together, they can significantly slow down or completely halt a person’s breathing process, obstructing the supply of oxygen to the brain and vital organs.
In the hours leading up to his passing, Lil Peep shared multiple Instagram posts referencing the drugs he had been consuming.
He mentioned using cannabis and ingesting ‘magic mushrooms.’
Furthermore, in a video, he can be seen consuming approximately six white pills, presumably Xanax.
Just a few hours before his passing, Lil Peep shared an Instagram post with the caption, “I need help but not when I have my pills, but that’s temporary; one day maybe I won’t die young, and I’ll be happy.”
When his manager woke him up a couple of hours before his scheduled performance, they discovered Lil Peep was unresponsive and not breathing.
Despite the manager’s attempt to revive him through CPR, Lil Peep tragically passed away before medical professionals could arrive.
Following his untimely death, Lil Peep’s mother filed charges against her son’s management team, accusing them of negligence contributing to his demise.
In response, the management team stated that they consistently urged Lil Peep to cease drug abuse, emphasizing that they held no contractual responsibility for his personal life.
Lil Peep’s demise was an immense loss for the music community, leaving his fans across the globe devastated.
He tragically passed away at a mere 21 years old, leaving behind a legacy as a burgeoning star in the music world, blending hip-hop, emo, and rock influences uniquely.
His music delved into deeply personal themes, resonating with countless fans who found solace in the struggles he expressed through his songs.
During an interview with The Times, he shared that his music profoundly impacted his audience, with fans reaching out to him and crediting his music for saving their lives and averting suicidal thoughts.
This acknowledgment served as a testament to the power of his artistry.
This incident served as a wake-up call, particularly within the entertainment industry, prompting reflection on the perils of addiction.
It stood as a stark reminder of the significance of addressing mental health concerns and addiction, underscoring the devastating consequences they can inflict upon individuals’ lives.
On social media, both fans and fellow musicians poured out their sorrow, sharing heartfelt tributes and reminiscing about the enduring impact of Lil Peep’s music.
His artistic legacy remains alive and cherished.
His untimely passing serves as a poignant reminder of the critical significance of seeking assistance for oneself or supporting those in need when grappling with addiction.
Lil Peep’s History of Depression and Substance Abuse
Lil’ Peep frequently explored themes of depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation in his songs.
According to a close friend, he aimed to provide a platform for individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, abuse, bullying, and a sense of being misunderstood, much like he was.
He wrestled with his demons and channeled them into his music as a coping mechanism.
Lil’ Peep openly discussed his depression on social media, opting not to pursue therapy or medication for his condition.
Despite the advice of his loved ones, he decided to rely on marijuana and other drugs as an alternative approach.
Lil Peep openly shared his battles with depression and bipolar disorder, which heavily influenced his drug usage and profoundly impacted his music.
Alongside his candid discussions about mental illnesses, he was just as forthcoming about his drug consumption and addiction.
His lyrics and social media posts frequently referenced the substances challenging him, including Xanax (alprazolam), alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine.
Additionally, he was known to use psilocybin mushrooms, cigarettes, and opioids, including fentanyl.
Although music industry executives assured Lil Peep that they wouldn’t judge or criticize him for his drug use, they cautioned him that it could hinder his ability to reach his full potential as a music artist.
Despite this advice, Lil Peep never pursued treatment at a drug rehabilitation center and regularly used drugs until his passing.
Lil Peep’s Love Life
Throughout his career, Lil Peep found himself in multiple romantic relationships.
At the time of his death, he was in a relationship with Arzaylea Rodriguez, an Instagram model and popular figure on social media.
In 2017, he was involved with American actress and singer Bella Thorne.
Their relationship was openly shared on social media, captivating their fans, who eagerly followed their love story.
Additionally, Lil Peep was associated with other notable celebrities and modeling individuals.
Emma Harris and Meghan, an Instagram star, were both considered close friends of Lil Peep, often spotted spending time together.
Memorial service
In a tribute to the late rapper Lil Peep, a gathering occurred in Long Island just two weeks following his untimely passing at 21.
Friends, family, and devoted fans assembled in Long Beach to commemorate the talented artist, who tragically passed away on November 15 from a suspected overdose.
During the beachside memorial, Lil Peep’s mother, Liza Womack, spoke about her son’s vulnerability despite his achievements.
The artist’s remains were cremated, and his ashes were laid to rest in his grandfather’s garden.
The reasons behind the decision to cremate Lil Peep are unclear, whether it was based on personal beliefs or chosen by the family as the most fitting way to honor his memory.
Lil Peep’s legacy
Lil Peep was an influential figure in emo-rap, and he left a profound impact on the music landscape and pop culture as a whole.
Hailed as the “future of emo” by Pitchfork, his tragic passing on November 15, 2017, reverberated throughout the music industry, leaving a lasting impression on fellow musicians and devoted fans alike.
Notably, he pioneered blending emo and SoundCloud rap genres while fearlessly addressing mental illness, garnering attention and admiration.
Lil Peep’s unique fusion of emo-infused rap brought about a revolution within the genre, resonating with millions worldwide who still connect with the raw honesty in his lyrics.
His untimely demise propelled a surge in the popularity of his music, with his single “Awful Things” even making its way onto the Billboard 100 chart.
His music continues accumulating streams, aided by releasing more of his recorded material that was produced before his passing.
One significant release that followed was his second full-length album, Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 2 which became available on November 9, 2018.
This album was recorded during his time in London while working on Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 1, showcasing his artistic output and commitment to his craft.
Furthermore, the EDM producer Marshmello unveiled “Spotlight,” a track that Lil Peep had worked on before his passing.
This release raises the possibility that more of Lil Peep’s unreleased music could see the light of day, given the significant number of songs he had recorded.
Lil Peep’s enduring legacy remains vibrant as his devoted fan base continues to expand.
Reflecting this ongoing influence, a documentary named “Everybody’s Everything” was slated for release on November 12, 2019.
This film offers a glimpse into Lil Peep’s personal life and sheds light on how he propelled the emergence of the emo-rap genre to the forefront.
Both in life and through his tragic death, Lil Peep has become an emblem for those who feel disconnected and struggle to find relatability.
His music and the essence of his character have wielded a profound impact, solidifying his influential status.
Currently, Lil Peep’s musical catalog is under the ownership of his estate, which is managed by his mother, Liza Womack, and his brother, Karl Ahr.
They are responsible for overseeing the distribution and promotion of his music and managing other valuable assets like copyrights, royalty streams, and intellectual property.
Additionally, they have collaborated with other artists and produced merchandise featuring Lil Peep’s image.
These endeavors are dedicated to preserving his legacy and paying tribute to his musical contributions.
