Florida rapper Lil Poppa has passed away at the age of 25, as confirmed by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office on February 18.
The Jacksonville artist, whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler, tragically leaves behind a promising career and a loyal fan base.
Details surrounding Poppa’s cause of death remain under investigation, with little information available at this time. The news has prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences from fans and fellow artists alike.
Prominent figures in the music industry, including Dej Loaf, Mozzy, and Nardo Wick, have paid heartfelt tributes to the late rapper.
Caroline “Baroline” Diaz, CEO of Great Day Records and a key figure in Poppa’s early career development, shared an emotional message on social media. “My little brother is gone,” she wrote. “Poppa, I love you so much. I am so broken. One of the first artists I had at Interscope. A&R’ed four of his projects. I’m so sad right now.”
My little brother is gone, Poppa I love you so much. I am so broken. One of the first artists I had at Interscope. A&R’ed 4 of his projects. I’m so sad right now……..
— BAROLINE (@Barolinnne) February 18, 2026
In 2022, Lil Poppa signed with CMG, the record label founded by fellow rapper Yo Gotti. Over the years, he collaborated with a number of notable hip-hop artists, including Yo Gotti, Polo G, Rylo Rodriguez, Toosii, Mozzy, Yungeen Ace, and Seddy Hendrix.
Most recently, on February 13, he released his single “Out of Town Bae.” He had been performing on tour in late 2025 and was scheduled to appear at a Birthday Bash show in New Orleans this March.
Lil Poppa enjoyed significant chart success during his career. His project “Blessed, I Guess” peaked at #160 on the Billboard 200 in May 2021, while his album “Under Investigation 3” reached #194 in May 2022. Additionally, his project “Heavy Is The Head” climbed to #4 on the Heatseekers Albums chart in November 2022.
The promising young artist’s untimely death is a profound loss for the hip-hop community and those who knew him personally and professionally.
