Lil Poppa Dies at 25: The Talent, The Music, The Unfinished Story

Janarious Mykel Wheeler, known as Lil Poppa, has died at the age of 25. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed on February 18, 2026. The rapper, born in Jacksonville, Florida, was pronounced dead at 11:23 a.m. ET in Fulton County, Georgia.

The official cause and manner of death have not been released as authorities continue their investigation. The sudden loss of Lil Poppa is a shock to the music community and his fans worldwide. At the time of his death, he had just released new music and was preparing for what many considered the most important phase of his career.

From Jacksonville to the National Stage

Born on March 18, 2000, in Jacksonville’s east side, Lil Poppa began his rise in church and community gatherings. He wrote early music before shifting towards mainstream hip-hop. By age 12, he had turned a bedroom closet into a makeshift studio.

By 18, he made a breakthrough with “Purple Hearts,” an emotional take on surviving a shooting that took the lives of close friends. The 2018 track became a viral sensation, drawing national attention and leading to his signing with Interscope Records.

His debut LP with the label, Blessed, I Guess, released in 2021, explored the ups and downs of sudden success and his growing artistic voice.

Later, Lil Poppa joined Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG), a respected hip-hop label that includes Moneybagg Yo and GloRilla in its lineup, and continued to reach broader audiences with his music.

The Music That Defined Him

Lil Poppa created a catalog that combined personal honesty with street storytelling. His songs often explored grief, resilience, and emotional struggles. These are a reflection of his own life experiences.

Some of his most recognized works included:

• “Purple Hearts” – the breakthrough single that put him on the map.
• “Love & War,” “Mind Over Matter,” and “HAPPY TEARS” – tracks that demonstrated his versatility and emotional depth.
• Almost Normal Again – a 16-track album released in August 2025 that critics praised for its maturity and honesty.

Across various platforms, Lil Poppa gathered hundreds of millions of streams. This shows a sign of the strong connection his music built with listeners seeking genuine voices in a world of polished sounds.

A Final Chapter Cut Short

Just five days before his death, Lil Poppa released “Out of Town Bae,” his first single of the year. He called it a sneak peek of a spring project that will never be fully released.

He was also set to headline a show at the Fillmore in New Orleans on March 21, indicating that his momentum was still growing.

Fans flooded social media with tributes, sharing lyrics, memories, and their heartbreak. Many posts highlighted how much Poppa’s voice mattered, especially to those dealing with pain and resilience in their own lives.

Legacy and Reflection

In less than a decade, Lil Poppa transitioned from a local talent recording in a closet to a national voice in hip-hop. His authentic lyrics and heartfelt delivery earned him respect among fans and peers.

Industry peers noted his talent for turning vulnerability into strength, a sign of an artist who welcomed listeners into his world instead of keeping them at a distance.

What Remains Unanswered

As of now, authorities have not released the cause of Lil Poppa’s death, and neither his family nor CMG has made an official statement. Rumors have circulated online, but official channels emphasize that the investigation is ongoing and that caution is needed when speculating.

In life, Lil Poppa channeled real pain into his art. In death, he leaves behind a body of work that speaks with honesty and a story that remains unfinished.