Brax, also known as Braxattacks, was a rapper and social media influencer who died at the age of 21 on November 5, 2020. Her mother, Letricia Loftin Russell, announced her death on Instagram with a tribute video montage. However, her cause of death has not been revealed publicly by her family or the authorities. Here is what we know so far about Brax’s death and her life as an artist.
A Spiritual Release
According to her mother, Brax’s death was a spiritual release and not a result of any physical injury or illness. She wrote on Instagram: “Our angel, Braxton Blue.B Baker has ascended. At the time of her ascendance she laid in sacred form. There were no scratches there were no bruises, her internal and external being was completely pure. It was a spiritual release. God retrieved the angel He loaned us.”
She also said that Brax was in spiritual retreat, carefully crafting and curating her art. She had composed two albums and three novels, and was working on forming her brand that merged her loves for fashion and the work of Black queer revolutionary womxn. She added that Brax knew that God was working through her and that her purpose was way greater than her. She said: “Braxton emphasized, ‘I’m just delivering God’s message, I’m here and it’s all beyond me. My purpose is way way far greater than me.’”
A Natural-Cardiac Arrhythmia
According to Variety, the specifics of what caused Brax’s death or exactly what happened still remain unclear. However, the outlet reported that the rapper’s cause of death was a natural-cardiac arrhythmia. A left blood vessel exploded in her heart resulting in what medical examiners describe as a rare, quick and painless transition. The outlet cited a source close to the family who confirmed this information.
A cardiac arrhythmia is a condition that affects the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat. It can be harmless or life-threatening, depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia. Some of the common symptoms of a cardiac arrhythmia include palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and sweating. Some of the common causes of a cardiac arrhythmia include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and drug abuse. Some of the common treatments for a cardiac arrhythmia include medication, pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, catheter ablation, and surgery.
A Rising Star
Brax, whose real name was Braxton Blue Baker, was born on December 8, 1998, in Richmond, Virginia. She became known as both a Soundcloud rapper and a social media influencer. She gained recognition in 2017 thanks to her music project VERSE (atility), which showcased her skills as a rapper, singer, and choreographer. She described her project as “a celebration of the black queer revolution through art.”
In a 2018 interview with SVGE magazine, Brax said she had been working on various forms of artistry for years. She said: “I’ve been directing my own shoots, directing my own videos, styling myself, writing poetry, writing articles, writing raps, choreographing dances, styling myself, and styling others like it was nothing for years.” She also said that her role was to create art straight from her heart, and that all she wanted to do was help the world heal. She said: “That’s when things will begin to shift.”
Brax had over 100,000 followers on Instagram, where she posted photos and videos of her fashion, music, and activism. She also had over 20,000 followers on Soundcloud, where she uploaded her songs and freestyles. Some of her popular tracks include “Lil Bitch”, “Don’t Deny”, and “Dreams”. She also had a YouTube channel, where she shared her vlogs, interviews, and performances. She was preparing for her next career endeavor at the time of her death.
A Legacy of Love
Brax’s death has shocked and saddened her fans, collaborators, and friends, who have been sharing their condolences and tributes on social media. Many of them have praised her talent, spirit, and impact, and expressed their love and gratitude for her. Some of the celebrities who have mourned her death include rapper Wale, singer Kehlani, and actress Skai Jackson.
Her mother also thanked everyone who has supported her family and honored her daughter’s legacy. She wrote on Instagram: “Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. We appreciate you. We are grateful for you. We are humbled by you. We are honored by you. We are blessed by you. We are loved by you. We love you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.’’
She also said that her family is dedicated to sharing Brax’s sacred art with the world, and that this is just the beginning. She said: “The art that is coming is a gift to the world.”
