Rapper POORSTACY, whose legal name was Carlito Milfort, has died at age 26, the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner confirmed. The Boca Raton Police Department reported he died early Saturday, November 29, 2025, in the Florida city.
According to a hotel worker in Boca Raton, POORSTACY was transported to a local hospital for a medical emergency on Saturday morning. The rapper had been staying at the hotel for 10 days after checking in with a woman and a toddler. He was the only person hospitalized from the incident, and no one else was reported injured.
Detectives are looking into the death of the rapper, and the woman he was staying with before he passed, identified as Nicole Grikstas, is being held in jail on a child neglect charge, according to police and public records.
The detailed police affidavit reveals that the death was suicide by handgun. It occurred in the presence of his partner Grikstas and their child. The incident followed hours of drug use (cocaine, MDMA, Xanax) and domestic violence. Police responded to a 911 call from the hotel front desk.
In 2023, the rapper was arrested following a standoff with authorities. He was charged with battery against a woman and neglect of a one-month-old child.
The emerging artist from Palm Beach was known for his unique sound that blended emo rap, punk rock and punk rap genres. His musical style drew from multiple influences, creating a distinctive approach that resonated with fans across different alternative music scenes. This genre-blending approach helped him stand out in an increasingly crowded hip-hop landscape where artists often experiment with unconventional sounds.
Among his notable accomplishments, POORSTACY was featured on the “Bill and Ted Face the Music” movie soundtrack. The soundtrack earned a Grammy nomination, representing one of the highest-profile achievements of his career. Being recognized by the Recording Academy at such a young age demonstrated the industry’s acknowledgment of his talent and potential.
The rapper also developed a professional relationship with renowned drummer Travis Barker, collaborating on three songs together. Their work included a track called “Choose Life,” which became the most prominent of their collaborations. According to TMZ, “POORSTACY and Travis actually worked together on three songs … and the biggest one is called ‘Choose Life.'” Barker, known for his work with Blink-182 and his frequent collaborations with hip-hop artists, has built a reputation for identifying and working with emerging talent in the alternative rap scene.
POORSTACY’s career trajectory reflected broader trends in contemporary music, where genre boundaries have become increasingly fluid. Artists who successfully combine elements from rock, punk and hip-hop often find dedicated audiences who appreciate music that defies traditional categorization. The emo rap subgenre in particular has grown substantially in recent years, with artists drawing from both hip-hop traditions and alternative rock influences to create emotionally raw and sonically diverse music.
The Palm Beach music scene has produced numerous talented artists over the years, and POORSTACY represented a newer generation bringing fresh perspectives to the industry. His willingness to experiment with different sounds and his collaborations with established artists like Travis Barker suggested a promising career ahead.
The music industry frequently grapples with mental health challenges affecting artists at all career stages. Young performers in particular often face intense pressure as they navigate the demands of building a career while managing public scrutiny and personal struggles. TMZ reported that “folks leaving comments on POORSTACY’s most recent Instagram post are indicating they are under the belief he may have died by suicide.” The speculation surrounding POORSTACY’s death has renewed conversations about the support systems available to emerging artists and the importance of mental health resources within the entertainment industry.
Details about memorial arrangements or services have not been publicly announced. The music community has begun sharing tributes and memories of the young artist across social media platforms.
POORSTACY’s contributions to music, though cut short, demonstrated an artist willing to push creative boundaries and explore new sonic territories. His work on the Grammy-nominated soundtrack and his collaborations with established musicians marked him as an artist to watch within alternative hip-hop circles.