Alexis Alijai Lynch Credit: Instagram/MGN Online

Minnesotaโ€™s rising star, lyricist and rapper Alexis Alijai Lynch aka โ€œLexii Alijaiโ€ passed away on January 1, 2020, at 21 years old. The cause of death is unknown.

On December 31, 2019, Lynch shared a Facebook post that she wrote in 2016 that read, โ€œStayin in the crib as usual on New Years…iont do parties. I hope everyone has fun, be safe.โ€

The news of Lynch’s passing was initially shared on Facebook by a close family member who said, โ€œYou gained your beautiful wings…Lexi Alijai. Please keep our family in our prayers.โ€

Lynch was the granddaughter of the legendary Roger Troutman of the Zapp band. Her dad was Roger Troutman Jr. In her short life, the St. Paul native had cultivated a loyal following. She was known for her empowering lyrics and high-profile collaborations with national artists like Kehlani and Elle Varner who offered tributes to the fallen star.

Kehlani wrote, โ€œI keep typing and backspacing โ€ฆ you knew what you meant to meโ€ฆeveryone knew what you meant,โ€ she tweeted. โ€œYou were so special bro โ€ฆ i seen you fight thru it all i seen u thug it out lex โ€ฆ imma miss you so bad โ€ฆ you was about to get everything you always talked about โ€ฆ RIP MY BABY.โ€ Lynch was featured on Kehlaniโ€™s song titled โ€œJealous.โ€

Elle Varner tweeted: “RIP Lexii. It was an honor to know you, work with you, and be a mentor to you.”

Wale also tweeted, โ€œLexii…my God man.โ€

Jamecia Bennett offered, โ€œLexi was a fan of Sounds of Blackness so much she did a song sampling one of our songs off our ‘Optimistic’ album called ‘The Pressure’ featuring Ann Nesby. Lexiโ€™s remake was called ‘Love Sucks’…itโ€™s my song. We love you, Lexi. We pray strength and comfort to her family.โ€ (Link to song: โ€œLove Sucksโ€).

A Celebration of Life for fans and love ones of the late singer was held at the Minneapolis American Indian Center from Jan 3-5, 2020. Credit: Courtesy of Alexis Alijai Lynchโ€™s GoFundMe

Thereโ€™s a Lexii Alijaiโ€™s Farewell Fund GoFundMe account hosted by Julianna Goddard. The family has already exceeded its $4,000 goal to help aid with the burial. As stated on the page, โ€œUnfortunately, Lexiiโ€™s passing was unexpected and her family and friends were not financially prepared for this. We want to ensure that Lexii has the send-off that she so much deserves. Any contribution would be so much appreciated at this time.โ€

Also, โ€œLexii was an extraordinary talent who left an indelible mark on the music industry in just a short period of time. She was a true lyricist and an exceptional storyteller with an authentic sound full of energy and curiosity. She had a deep love and devotion to music but more than anything, was a generous and kind soul, with an infectious spirit.

“Lexii was inspired by J. Cole and the time she spent with the many Dreamville artists and was enthusiastic about the future and eager to see the world. Her debut album “Come Back Soon” was set to release this year.โ€

As for her management company, โ€œThe entire 1am family is heartbroken and deeply saddened by her passing. Our deepest condolences to her friends, fans and everyone who was touched by her. Her family appreciates privacy during this difficult time.โ€

To hear Alexis Alijai Lynchs’s art, visit Lexii Alijaiโ€™s Soundcloud.

Ashley Lauren is a contributing writer at the MN Spokesman-Recorder.