RAPPER AND SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER BRAXTON BAKER PASSES AWAY AT AGE 21

The social media influencer and rapper Brax, née Braxton Baker, has passed away at the age of 21.

Braxton began to rise as a star in 2017, sharing in an interview with Svage in 2018 that "My role is to create art straight from my heart. For I know that art will be pure, poetic, powerful and healing. All I want to do is help the world heal. That’s when things will begin to shift. I have been using my creativity to build a unique brand for years. 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. So, I guess that’s how I’ve been making it work for me."

The social media influencer was preparing for her next career endeavor at the time of her death. The rapper's mom, Letricia Loftin Russell, confirmed her death on Thursday 5 November by sharing a tribute video montage 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."

Barx’s mother then continued saying; "Braxton was in spiritual retreat, carefully crafting and curating her art. She has since dedicated her art to humanity and healing, composing two albums and three novels. Most recently, she was in the process of forming her brand [and] merging her loves for fashion and the work of Black queer revolutionary womxn. Braxton knew that God was working through her, she had 'vessel' and 'gifted' permanently placed on her body. She knew that her brilliance and art would be shared with the world in God’s timing. This is just the beginning, our whole beings are dedicated to sharing her sacred art with the world."

Russell further shared that her daughter recently felt that she had a larger mission to fulfill with her craft and that 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."

Several supporters of the artist have been sharing their condolences to the late artist’s family as one person wrote "I’m so sorry Ms. Letricia. I will forever love my braxie. Praying for peace, strength & comfort during this time 🧡🙏🏼."

Another fan also wrote; "From childhood, to her ascension she was truly one of a kind. I am thankful that God blessed the world with her presence. I pray for you and your family's continued peace, understanding and healing ❤️.

"Thank God for the special bond, closeness, support and faith that you have with your family. My heart flies out to you all. She will forever be remembered and missed. She represented strength, individuality, perseverance, courage, faithfulness and love ❤️."

Brax's cause of death has not yet been made public.