In the modern music landscape, where a song can go from a snippet on social media to a global phenomenon in a matter of weeks, a new kind of artist has emerged. d4vd, born David Anthony Burke, is not a traditional star in the classic sense, but a product of the internet age, a musician whose career was built on a foundation of video games and social media platforms. His journey began not with a formal education in music, but with a simple need to avoid copyright strikes on his YouTube videos. This humble beginning, however, led to a viral sensation and a multi-billion-stream career. From his breakout hits like “Romantic Homicide” to his rapid ascent to the top of the charts, the story of d4vd is a fascinating case study in modern fame, a testament to the idea that in today’s world, talent can be found in the most unexpected places.
The Origin Story: From YouTube to the Charts
David Anthony Burke, a native of Queens, New York, began his musical journey not in a recording studio but in the world of online gaming. He would create montage videos for the popular video game Fortnite, but to avoid copyright strikes, he decided to produce his own music for the soundtracks. It was a creative solution to a technical problem, and it sparked a love for music that would soon change his life. In November 2021, he began releasing his original music on streaming platforms like SoundCloud, experimenting with a variety of genres.
His big break came with the single “Romantic Homicide,” which he released in July 2022. The song, a raw and emotional track, quickly went viral on TikTok, captivating a global audience with its raw honesty. The song’s success was so explosive that it led to him being signed to Darkroom and Interscope Records just two months later. The hit single climbed to number three on the Hot Alternative Songs charts, proving that his unique blend of indie rock and alternative music had a broad appeal. His next single, “Here with Me,” which was also a viral sensation on TikTok, further cemented his status as a breakout star.
A Rapid Rise: Debut Albums and World Tours
Following his early success, d4vd wasted no time in establishing himself as a serious artist. He released two extended plays in 2023, Petals to Thorns and The Lost Petals, with the former charting in five regions. His momentum continued into 2024 with the release of five new singles, including “Feel It,” which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. His music, which he describes as a unique blend of genres from shoegaze to R&B, is an attempt to create a new, unifying sound for his audience.
Earlier this year, d4vd released his debut studio album, Withered, a major milestone in his career. His rise has been so rapid that it has caught the attention of not just fans but also the industry itself. He has collaborated with other artists, including Holly Humberstone, and has performed as an opening act for SZA’s global tour. In March 2024, he also joined the gaming and lifestyle brand 100 Thieves as a content creator, a testament to his continued connection to the online world that gave him his start. He is currently in the middle of a world tour, bringing his music to live audiences around the globe.
A Sudden Turn: The Recent Scandal
Amidst his meteoric rise, d4vd has been thrust into an unexpected and deeply disturbing scandal. On Monday, September 9, 2025, a decomposed human body was found in a Tesla that was registered to him. The car had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills for several days before being towed to a lot, where workers reported a foul smell, leading to the gruesome discovery. Police have launched a death investigation, and while d4vd has not been named as a suspect, the news has cast a long shadow over his career.
The news broke as d4vd was in the middle of his world tour. The singer has not yet issued a public statement on the matter, though he has continued to make routine posts on his social media accounts. The identity of the victim has not been released. The case is being reviewed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office to determine the cause of death. The incident is a stark and difficult turn for a young artist who had, until now, been a story of a digital-age success.
