We are still in the first quarter of 2026 and it's already been a tragic year for musicians.
Within the first two weeks we saw the tragic deaths of Colombian singer-songwriter Yeison Jiménez, Grateful Dead founder Bob Weir, and veteran Fugees-affiliated rapper John Forté.
Whatever the genre they worked in or whatever their contributions were, each of these artists left an undeniable mark on the culture, and now is the time to give them their flowers. The following list includes singers, musicians, and other figures whose influence on music should not be forgotten.
Here are the musicians we lost so far in 2026.
Bob Weir
October 16, 1947 – January 10, 2026 (78)
Bob Weir, the guitarist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead passed away at the age of 78 due to underlying lung issues, according to his family. This came after receiving a cancer diagnosis in July.
Yeison Jiménez
July 26, 1991 – January 10, 2026 (34)
Popular Colombian singer Yeison Jiménez died in a plane crash on Saturday, Jan. 10. The crash occurred between Paipa and Duitama, killing all six people on board.
John Forte
January 30, 1975 – January 12, 2026 (50)
In the late '90s, John Forté was one of rap's brightest prospects. A member of the Refugee Camp All-Stars collective, Forté rapped and produced on the Fugees' classic album The Score.
In 2000, Forté was arrested at Newark International Airport after accepting a briefcase containing $1.5 million worth of liquid cocaine. He was convicted of possession with intent to distribute and sentenced to a mandatory 14 years. His sentence was later commuted by President George W. Bush.
Forté was found dead at his house in Chilmark, Massachusetts. There was no signs of foul play.
Sly Dunbar
May 10, 1952 – January 26, 2026 (73)
Sly Dunbar was one half of Sly and Robbie, alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare; the pair were known for shaping the modern sound of reggae and dancehall. He had been struggling with health problems in the years before his death.
Michael "5000" Watts
June 7, 1973-January 30, 2026 (54)
Michael "5000" Watts was a legendary DJ, producer, and founder of Swishahouse Records. He died after developing Torsades de Pointes, a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm condition.
Lil Poppa
March 18, 2000-February 18, 2026 (25)
Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa reportedly shot himself in the head while speaking with his manager in a Hilton Hotel parking lot.
The rapper, who was part of Yo Gotti's Collective Music Group, had just released a new single, "Out Of Town Bae," shortly before the incident.
Willie Colón
April 28, 1950 – February 21, 2026 (75)
Legendary Nuyorican salsa musician Willie Colón died Saturday following reported respiratory complications. He was 75.
After his death, his family released a statement:
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and renowned musician, Willie Colón. He passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by his loving family. While we grieve his absence, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music and the cherished memories he created that will live on forever."
Luci4
August 2, 2002 – February 22, 2026 (age 23)
Luci4, who got his start as a producer in Spaceghostpurrp's BMB Deathrow camp, was part of SoundCloud's niche sigilkore genre. The LA County Medical Examiner confirmed that the young rapper died at a private residence, although the cause of death has not yet been determined. His grandparents told TMZ that they suspect foul play.
Oliver "Power" Grant
November 3, 1973 – February 23, 2026 (52)
Power grew up with RZA's older brother, Mitchell "Divine" Diggs. He would eventually become an instrumental figure in building the Wu-Tang brand from the bottom up, including the pivotal decision to launch a clothing line.