Lil Peep, Gustav Elijah Åhr, revered as "the future of emo," significantly impacted the music scene before his untimely passing. To honor his legacy, Lil Peep's family collaborated with Overall Murals to hand paint the second annual commemorative mural in Bushwick, NY, a thriving neighborhood deeply resonating with Lil Peep's fanbase and artistic sensibilities. 

In a touching tribute, Lil Peep's mother and brother selected a specific photograph of Lil Peep to be transformed into a hand painted mural, following the tradition of using painted murals to honor loved ones. 

Grief and memorial murals have a rich history, especially in the vibrant backdrop of New York City. These poignant tributes don't stick to conventional locations; they pop up unexpectedly, adorning places from handball courts to the side of a bank. They often surface during pivotal moments like 9/11 or periods of heightened violence. Beyond commemorating challenging times, these murals also stand as vibrant memorials for fallen heroes and changemakers. These murals educate people about the person depicted and allow loved ones and the public to mourn and express their grief.

Lil Peep's family played an integral role in the mural's creation, visiting the site to engage with the painters and witness the hand painting process unfold. Not only was their role in creating the design for the mural a personal touch, but their presence during its creation added a heartfelt dimension. Once the mural was completed, Lil Peep's mother and brother posed proudly in front of the finished artwork, sharing the emotional moment with their followers and Lil Peep's fans on social media.

The mural, portraying Lil Peep's chosen photograph, was completed before his birthday on November 1st with the words “Happy Birthday, Gus” in his signature font hand painted across the wall. The completed mural became a gathering spot adjacent to a pop-up shop where the family arranged to sell his albums and memorabilia. It served as a poignant meeting point for fans to pay tribute, share memories, and capture moments in front of the wall, further preserving Lil Peep's enduring legacy.

Overall Murals' collaboration with Lil Peep's family to create the Bushwick mural is a touching tribute to the late rapper's lasting impact. 196K people passed the mural monthly and off the wall, over 1.4 million fans liked it on social media. 

Hand painted murals traditionally play an emotive tribute, uniting communities and immortalizing the memory of influential figures like Lil Peep within the neighborhoods that hold them dear.