November 15, 2017: A Morning That Changed Everything, from the perspective of Mike Trampe
It started like any other day. After taking care of my usual morning rituals, I got to work on BeatStars' social media and the day’s objectives. As I scrolled through various channels, I noticed an influx of "R.I.P." posts for someone named Lil Peep. I had heard his name before, but it didn’t resonate with me personally.
I could have ignored it and continued my day—but something about it pulled me in. It insisted I dig deeper. So, I did.
Discovering Lil Peep
The first songs I found were “Awful Things” and “Brightside.” They gave me a glimpse of who Lil Peep was musically. His sound—a fusion of rap and rock with some incredible harmonies—was intriguing. Yet, his lyrics and persona hinted at personal struggles beneath the surface.
Curious, I searched for more information about him and the cause of his passing. A quick Google search revealed that Lil Peep’s real name was Gustav Åhr. He had just turned 21 on November 1. He loved tattoos, was prominent in the underground music scene, and had a fanbase that was fiercely dedicated, invested, and supportive. Oh, and he had a massive catalog of music on SoundCloud.
I liked the few songs I had heard so far, but I wasn’t blown away—at least not yet. Still, something told me to keep digging. Maybe it was the potential I could hear in his music, the passion, or the pain. I knew there was something special about him.
That’s when I came across “Star Shopping.”
The Song That Changed My Perspective
“Star Shopping” was the song that made me get it. If someone had never heard Lil Peep before, this was the track I would tell them to listen to. The comments on the song’s video were astonishing—stories of how it saved lives, helped listeners through dark times, and even stopped people from committing suicide.
How many songs evoke that kind of response? Sure, there are others out there, but this level of impact says so much about who Lil Peep was. Drugs or no drugs, he was human. He made mistakes. He wasn’t perfect.
Unfortunately, he left this world far too soon. But he also touched lives. He reached people. He helped them with their problems, even as he struggled with his own. Songs like “Star Shopping” will live on forever, providing comfort to those who need it.
To me, that’s the essence of music. It should move you. It should give you goosebumps. It should be so relatable that it makes you cry over someone you’ve never met.
Becoming a Fan
As I listened to more of Lil Peep’s music, I became increasingly impressed. Sure, not every track was for me, but the more I heard, the more I appreciated his artistry. He gained a new fan.
Whenever I listen to a great record, I always want to know who produced it. Production has fascinated me since I was young, whether it’s a massive hit or an unknown beat uploaded to BeatStars. That’s how I learned about Kryptik—a 23-year-old producer from Nashville, Tennessee. He had produced “Star Shopping” and three other tracks for Lil Peep.
Reaching Out to Kryptik
A few days after Lil Peep passed, I decided to reach out to Kryptik. I wanted to send my condolences and see if he’d talk to me about Peep, their relationship, and his role in the music. Kryptik responded quickly and agreed to chat.
What I learned was incredible. It showcased the power of music, technology, and creative collaboration. Two SoundCloud accounts in 2015 connected in a way that changed lives forever.
The Bigger Picture
This story is a testament to what we strive to do at BeatStars every day. We connect artists and producers. We help people build sustainable careers. We push innovation. And most importantly, we contribute to the creation of amazing music.
Lil Peep’s words from “Star Shopping” still echo in my mind:
“Shout out to everyone makin’ my beats, you helpin’ me preach,
This music’s the only thing keepin’ the peace when I’m fallin’ to pieces.”
Rest in peace, Lil Peep. Your music and legacy live on.
Explore Professional
Explore Professional
