James Dear, Underground Internet Rap Innovator Luci4, Leaves Lasting Impact on Music Scene

 James Dear, known professionally as Luci4 and Axxturel, is being remembered as one of the most influential voices to emerge from the underground internet rap scene. As an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer, he helped shape the sonic direction of a generation that discovered music not through radio airplay, but through timelines, algorithms, and late-night scrolling. His experimental style and uncompromising artistic identity left a permanent mark on the evolving landscape of online-born music culture.

Widely credited as a pioneer of the microgenre known as sigilkore, James Dear carved out a space that blended distorted melodies, blown-out bass, occult-inspired visuals, and an unapologetic DIY ethos. Before the name Luci4 became synonymous with the genre, he began releasing music under the moniker “4jay,” experimenting with dark atmospheres and aggressive rhythms that defied traditional rap formulas. At a time when genre boundaries were dissolving across digital platforms, his sound stood out as raw, immersive, and intentionally unconventional.

The rise of short-form video platforms played a pivotal role in expanding his audience. In 2021, several of his tracks gained viral traction on TikTok, where users paired his eerie production with stylized edits and aesthetic-driven content. The momentum was organic—fueled by listeners who connected deeply with the mood and authenticity of his music. What began as underground experimentation quickly became a cultural wave, introducing sigilkore to millions and solidifying Luci4 as one of its defining architects.

As his influence expanded, major industry attention followed. James Dear eventually signed with Atlantic Records, marking a rare crossover moment for an artist rooted in internet subculture. The signing symbolized more than personal success; it represented validation for an entire microgenre born in bedrooms and Discord servers. Despite the mainstream platform, he maintained his artistic direction, continuing to release music that reflected the underground spirit and visual identity that first drew fans in.

Beyond statistics, streams, and record deals, James Dear’s legacy lies in his creative fearlessness. He demonstrated that music shaped entirely online could transcend niche communities and influence global trends. Young producers and rappers cite his work as proof that authenticity and experimentation can resonate just as powerfully as polished commercial releases. His projects were often described as immersive experiences—blending sound design, imagery, and mood into a cohesive artistic statement that extended beyond traditional song structures.

Today, his impact continues to echo throughout underground rap circles and internet-driven music scenes across the United States. Artists experimenting with distorted production, dark aesthetics, and genre-blurring sounds owe part of their creative freedom to the path he helped carve. James Dear’s journey—from early beat experiments to shaping a movement—serves as a reminder that culture can be rewritten from the margins, and that innovation often begins in the most unexpected corners of the internet.