Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, has died at the age of 25.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that an autopsy was conducted on Thursday (Feb. 19), one day after Poppa was pronounced dead shortly after 11 a.m. in Fulton County, Georgia. His death was ruled a suicide.
Poppa first gained national attention with his breakout single “Purple Hearts,” whose success led to a deal with Interscope Records. His 2021 major-label debut, Blessed, I Guess, explored his conflicted emotions surrounding sudden fame, street trauma, and personal growth.
In 2022, he signed with Yo Gotti’s label, Collective Music Group (CMG Records), home to artists including Moneybagg Yo and GloRilla. Under CMG, Poppa released several projects, including his 16-track album Almost Normal Again, which arrived in August 2025 and showcased his reflective lyricism and emotional depth.
His latest song, “Out of Town Bae,” dropped just last Friday, continuing what many fans described as one of the most focused periods of his career.
In a statement released Thursday, CMG mourned the loss of the young artist:
“We are stunned and devastated by the loss of our beloved family member, Janarious ‘Lil Poppa’ Wheeler. Poppa was more than just a talented artist — he was an ambitious young man with depth beyond his years and endless potential. Our love for him knew no bounds.”
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Poppa began rapping at a young age and built a reputation for soulful storytelling that resonated deeply with listeners. Over the years, he earned respect not only for his prolific catalog but for his tireless work ethic and vulnerability in his music.
He leaves behind a powerful body of work and a community of fans and peers grieving his loss.
Prayers to Lil Poppa’s mother, family, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone.
