Lil Peep dead: Emo rapper reportedly dies from drug overdose aged 21

New York artist who blended emo with hip-hop was seen as rising star and spoke openly of battle with addiction

Rapper Lil Peep has died aged 21 after a reported drug overdose.

The New York musician, real name Gustav Åhr, blended emo with hip-hop on a debut album released in August.

He was seen as a rising star, with music website Pitchfork hailing him as "the future of emo" in January.

Other musicians paid tribute on social media after news of his death emerged, while his manager Chase Ortega tweeted: “I’ve been expecting this call for a year. Mother f**k."

DJ and producer Diplo said: "Peep had so much more to do man he was constantly inspiring me. I don't feel good man."

"Peep was the nicest person," wrote Dutch dance music producer Marshmello. "Hanging out with him, talking to him about music, the song ideas we were going to do together and touring was so amazing. Everyone will miss you man."

Åhr died hours before he was due to perform in Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday night in the penultimate show of a tour to promote his album Come Over When You're Sober.

His lyrics referenced depression and drug use, and he had spoken openly about addictions to cocaine, ecstasy and prescription tranquilliser Xanax.

"I am a depressed drug addict and I'm nearing my breaking point," he tweeted in February. "Everything I love is disappearing."

In the hours before his death he posted a picture on Instagram that appeared to show him taking two pills.

In a post a previous day, he wrote: "When I die you'll love me."

Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz and rapper Post Malone were also among musicians who paid tribute to Åhr on social media.

"No. Not lil peep," tweeted Wentz, adding: "We have to talk about mental health in open way."

Post Malone, real name Austin Post, wrote: "In the short time that i knew you, you were a great friend to me and a great person. Your music changed the world and it'll never be the same. I love you bud. Forever."

“I’m completely heart broken and lost right now,” said friend and collaborator Mikey Cortez. “I can’t even feel it’s not real. I love you and I’ll miss you always. One of the realest. Please someone tell me this isn’t real.”

If you're struggling with drug use or need advice you can talk to FRANK on 0300 123 6600 (UK). Whatever else you may be going through, you can call Samaritans on 116 123 (UK).