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Arts & Culture
06 April 2025

Pasha Technik Dies At 40 After Struggles With Addiction

The rapper's death raises questions about the pressures of fame and addiction in the music industry.

On April 5, 2025, news broke that Pasha Technik, a music producer and representative of the domestic underground hip-hop scene, died after hospitalization. The 40-year-old rapper's death was confirmed in an official message on his Telegram channel, which stated simply, "Pasha Technik died," at 10:07 PM Moscow time on April 4.

Shortly before his death, his representatives had reported that he was in a state of clinical death earlier that day, but doctors managed to revive his heart. Unfortunately, his condition sharply deteriorated, leading medical professionals to suggest disconnecting him from life support and declaring him deceased.

Pasha Technik, whose real name was Pavel Ivlev, was hospitalized in Thailand due to severe poisoning. Doctors reported that he was suffering from septic shock, which developed against the backdrop of severe bacterial pneumonia. His former wife, Eva Karitskaya, stated that the rapper had been poisoned by narcotic substances, which significantly weakened his immune system and allowed the infection to take hold.

In the wake of his death, Karitskaya expressed her belief that a Thai drug dealer named Eduard was responsible for her ex-husband's demise, claiming that he had provided Pasha with drugs despite knowing that he was recovering from addiction.

Prior to his hospitalization, Pasha Technik had been experiencing a tumultuous period in his life. He had recently given a concert in St. Petersburg, which started with a significant delay. Reports from attendees indicated that he appeared intoxicated during the performance, which raised concerns among fans about his well-being.

In a chilling twist, fans have pointed out that Pasha Technik had seemingly predicted his own death. In January 2025, during an appearance on the "Big Show" with Azamat Musagaliev, the rapper stated, "Everything will be cool! Remember this. The 27th, but I won't say the month," a remark that many now interpret as a forewarning of his impending coma.

His last public appearance and performance were marked by erratic behavior, with Pasha wearing a balaclava for a significant portion of the show and signing a fan's passport directly on stage. This behavior was consistent with his struggles against addiction, which had plagued him for years.

In an interview following Pasha's death, fellow rapper Ptakha lamented the environment surrounding Pasha, stating, "He would have remained alive if he had been protected from his destructive environment and if the media had stopped using his condition to boost ratings." Ptakha also noted that during their last conversation, he had offered Pasha a year-long rehabilitation program, which Pasha declined, saying he could not endure such a commitment.

Pasha Technik's life was marked by his struggles with addiction. In 2022, he nearly died from an overdose and was placed on a ventilator. Despite multiple attempts at rehabilitation, he was unable to overcome his dependence on narcotics, which ultimately contributed to his tragic end.

Born in 1984 in Moscow, Pasha Technik began his music career as a teenager with the group Kunteynir, which experienced several breakups and reunions from 2001 to 2020. He faced legal troubles in 2008 when he was convicted of drug possession and distribution, resulting in a five-year prison sentence. After his release in 2013, he returned to music, focusing on his solo career and participating in various rap battles and popular YouTube shows.

His last concert in March 2025 was a testament to his enduring popularity, despite his struggles. The performance took place at the Aurora club in St. Petersburg, where he appeared to be in poor health, prompting concerns among fans.

Following his untimely death, many fans and fellow artists have expressed their grief and shock. Pasha Technik was known not only for his music but also for his larger-than-life persona, becoming a figure of both admiration and caution within the hip-hop community.

The news of his passing has sparked discussions about the pressures faced by artists in the entertainment industry, particularly those grappling with addiction. Many are calling for greater support systems for artists struggling with similar issues to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pasha Technik's death continues, his former wife has vowed to seek justice for him, believing that those who contributed to his substance abuse should be held accountable. She has publicly called out the individuals she believes played a role in his tragic demise, emphasizing the need for accountability in the face of addiction.

Pasha Technik's legacy will likely be remembered as a complex mixture of talent, struggle, and tragedy. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by artists in the spotlight and the importance of compassion and understanding for those battling addiction.

In the days following his death, fans have taken to social media to share their memories of Pasha Technik, celebrating his contributions to the hip-hop scene while mourning the loss of a talented artist who succumbed to the very demons he fought against.

The music community and fans alike will remember Pasha Technik not just for his music but for the lessons learned from his life and struggles. His passing has ignited conversations about mental health, addiction, and the support systems necessary to help those in the industry navigate their challenges.