Lil Peep, who in just a few short years spearheaded a LGBTQ movement in hip hop, died Wednesday night at the age of 21….
An outpouring of grief has followed news of Lil Peep’s death, a bisexual New York rapper found dead at age 21 on Wednesday.
Born Gustav Åhr, the up-and-coming artist turned heads on Soundcloud, where his self-released emo-rap tracks gained notoriety for how frankly he sang about drug use, suicidal thoughts, and depression. Along with the GOTHBOICLIQUE artist collective (GBC) and the summer release of his debut album “Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt.1,” Lil Peep was at the forefront of growing mainstream recognition for the underground emo-rap scene.
He came out as publicly bisexual in August, through a series of straightforward tweets.
yes I’m bi sexual
— GOTH ANGEL SINNER (@Lilpeep) August 8, 2017
who wants a kiss
— GOTH ANGEL SINNER (@Lilpeep) August 8, 2017
Although cause of death has yet to be confirmed, CNN reports police found evidence of a suspected Xanax overdose.
Fans have flooded Twitter with calls to remember Lil Peep for challenging LGBTQ stigma and speaking to social issues.
Lil Peep was a really important LGBTQ+ member in a scene full of homophobia. He stepped forth and was completely unafraid to be himself indefinitely. My heart is so sad. I love you
— sus (@gothsophsus) November 16, 2017
fuck man. so fuckin sad to see a young dude in the game leave too early regardless of how big of a fan u were. he was helping destigmatize lgbt+ ppl in rap too. shout out to gbc. rest in only peace lil peep
— this is an official young king dave fan account (@_sleepyxhead) November 16, 2017
lil peep was such an inclusive, loving person. this video “girls” featuring horsehead shows women of all types, including a poc trans woman. bisexual. stood up against racism, homophobia and sexism especially in the music industry. he will be missed terribly pic.twitter.com/7hBbyicrkO
— come over when you’re sober (@soyslut) November 16, 2017
Lil Peep was a bisexual icon who did whatever the fuck he wanted! Is icon too strong of a word? Not at all. The man did his own thing in an era of music being made for the radio. Y’all will respect him. Thank you.
— zzzander | GAMBA!!!!!!!!!! (@xxxlivelyxxx) November 16, 2017
lil peep was an openly bisexual man
he wasn’t afraid to be who he was
he was a talented and inspiring entertainer
it’s devastating that his life was tragically cut short
he would’ve made it big— daniel 🌙 (@lgbtvelour) November 16, 2017
The music industry and friends have expressed shock and grief over Lil Peep’s passing, including Marshmello, Diplo, former girlfriend Bella Thorne, and Sam Smith.
Seeing the news of Lil Peep is so desperately sad
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) November 16, 2017
AL DONATO is a freelance journalist and community organizer in Toronto. Their writing has been featured in Huffington Post Canada, CBC, and Broken Pencil Magazine, among others. You can yell at them on Twitter at @gollydrat
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