These performers, whether they were cultural icons, master songwriters, or both, created remarkable works of music that will never be forgotten.
We could name every gifted musician that has left us far too soon, but for the time being, we’ll honour eight incredible musicians (in no particular order!)
Avicii
In the house music industry, Avicii was one of the most well-known DJs as he began producing music when he was just sixteen years old. Avicii rose to prominence with the single “Levels” and his 2013 album “True” for which he quickly became well-known for his remixes. He then began featuring as the main act at festivals and collaborating with big names like David Guetta, Madonna and Coldplay.
In addition, he was also nominated for several other honours, including two Grammy nominations.
Although his music was upbeat and joyful, behind the scenes sadly things were drastically different. Avicii experimented with drugs for years to attempt to numb his mental health issues and unfortunately, on April 20, 2018, the Swedish DJ committed suicide, leaving lots of fans saddened and many notable celebrities sharing their condolences.
Amy Winehouse
One of the greatest new voices of the late 2000’s was Amy Winehouse, her fusion of soul and retro pop revitalised the music industry. Her 2006 album “Back to Black” became a global hit, popularising her retro-soul sound and establishing her as the leading female vocalist in the world.
However, her personal difficulties stood in the way of her seemingly promising career in the industry and she sadly lost her life at the age of 27 due to accidental alcohol intoxication.
Critics and fans alike recognise her as having one of the greatest female voices to ever join the music industry.
Chester Bennington
Linkin Park’s connecting thread to individuals in need of emotional closure was Chester Bennington. With the release of Linkin Park’s debut album, Hybrid Theory, in 2000, Chester Bennington became well-known for his vocals. The record was a worldwide commercial success. The record became the best-selling debut album of the decade after receiving a diamond certification.
Chester Bennington’s life, however, took a drastic turn when his friend Chris Cornell took his own life in May 2017, leaving fans grieving and Chester devastated. They both had a close friendship and in the late 2000s, they went on tour together. Millions of listeners were touched by Bennington and Cornell’s poignant songs about overcoming struggle and mental pain.
Thus, the news that Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington had committed suicide and passed away on Chris Cornell’s 53rd birthday came as a huge shock to the public. In addition to leaving behind a wealth of wonderful and inspirational music, Chester Bennington also raised awareness of the problems associated with sadness and mourning.
Chester Bennington, an artist whose voice of rage inspired millions, was a true inspiration.
Pop Smoke
Regarded by many as the face of Brooklyn drill, with the releases of his breakthrough singles “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior” in 2019, Pop Smoke became well-known. In July 2019 he dropped his first mixtape, Meet the Woo, which was followed by his second mixtape, Meet the Woo 2, which dropped on February 7, 2020, and debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 and became the rapper’s first top-10 project in the US.
Pop Smoke’s death during a house invasion in Los Angeles in 2020, just than two weeks after the mixtape’s release, devastated his adoring fan base, who were eager to see what he would do next.
Numerous friends, rappers, and celebrities sent their sympathies. fans will always think of Pop Smoke as The King of New York and the artistic face of NY Drill.
Mac Miller
Mac Miller left a distinct mark on the music industry by carving out a space of openness and vulnerability to the human condition. He is regarded by many as one of the greatest rappers of all time, and his numerous records throughout his career have had a lasting influence on hip-hop culture.
‘Swimming’ in 2018, ‘The Divine Feminine’ in 2016, and ‘GO:OD AM’ in 2015 were his three major studio albums that were released. He received a posthumous nomination for Best Rap Album at the Grammy Awards for his album, ‘Swimming’.
Miller unfortunately battled drug addiction, and his lyrics frequently alluded to this. Following a relapse, he accidentally overdosed on cocaine, fentanyl, and alcohol at home, killing himself at the age of 26.
Many friends and supporters mourned, with Post Malone recalling their plans to collaborate on an album and Ariana Grande recalling their shared memories.
Lil Peep
Throughout the 2010’s, Lil Peep served as an inspiration to young people and outcasts alike. In a short period of time, he gained a large following among the hip hop and emo subcultures even being held and compared to Kurt Cobain.
He is mostly recognised with creating what is now known as “emo rap” music. He is recognised as the main player of the mid-to late 2010’s successful emo music movement.
Unfortunately, Lil Peep passed away from a heroin overdose just after turning 21. As a result, he only lived to see the release of one complete studio album, his brief 2017 debut ‘Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 1’ which shocked fans.
Since most artists decided to go clean after Lil Peep passed away, the debate about drug usage in hip-hop and how it contributes to tragedies like his death and many others has intensified.
XXXTENTACION
In addition to revolutionising hip-hop, XXXTENTACION also altered music over his brief career while becoming the voice of the depressed worldwide, helping people who needed someone to relate to. With his distinctive and innovative style, XXXTENTACION made seven debuts in the Billboard Hot 100 and a #1 posthumous album.
But “Look At Me!”, his most well-known song during his whole career, served as XXX’s calling card and launched him into the mainstream.
Regretfully, on June 18, 2018, the music business and hip-hop world came to a standstill in shock and sadness when the 20-year-old was fatally murdered during what appeared to be an attempted robbery.
XXXTENTACION is undeniably among the greatest musicians of the modern era.
Juice WRLD
Critics and fans alike agree that Juice WRLD, also known as Jarad Anthony Higgins has one of the greatest voices in the current rap industry and modern music along with ‘XXXTENTACION’.
He was well-known for being one of the greatest modern hip-hop freestylers and would frequently showcase this while live on stage, in interviews, or on Instagram. Most artists couldn’t do what Juice WRLD was doing and this startled critics and increased his already growing fanbase.
In 2018 Juice WRLD took the music world by surprise with his captivating and well-crafted single “Lucid Dreams.”
His dark and melodic emo rap style, which had not truly been heard before, was demonstrated on the eleven times platinum track about heartbreak.
Subsequently, he released two highly acclaimed albums: “Death Race For Love,” certified twice platinum by the RIAA, and “Goodbye & Good Riddance,” which was certified five times platinum. His phenomenal chart success, as shown by his numerous gold and platinum certifications, speaks for itself.
Sadly Juice WRLD had an abrupt drug overdose death in 2019, was especially tragic because he was a very gifted rapper and musician with an enormous amount of potential.
Fans were deeply saddened by his passing, yet his music endures as some of his well-known unreleased tracks are still in demand today.
‘The Party Never Ends’, his highly anticipated posthumous album, is scheduled to be released shortly due to strong demand from hip-hop and music enthusiasts in general. Seeing what this gifted artist might have created is going to be intriguing.
