Lil Poppa, the Jacksonville, Florida rapper born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, has died at the age of 25. His death was confirmed by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office on February 18, 2026, with officials stating that the cause and manner of death remain under investigation.

The rising hip-hop artist had built a reputation for emotionally candid storytelling and introspective lyrics addressing personal struggles, relationships and trauma. He first gained attention with early releases including “Purple Hearts,” which drew on his experience surviving a drive-by shooting and helped launch his career within the Southern rap scene.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Wheeler began rapping in church as a child and started recording music at age 12 using basic equipment at home. His growing online presence and breakout releases led to a record deal with Interscope Records before he later joined Collective Music Group, the label founded by Yo Gotti.

Over the course of his career, Lil Poppa released multiple projects, including his 2021 debut album Blessed, I Guess and his 2025 album Almost Normal Again. His catalog featured popular tracks such as “Love & War,” “Mind Over Matter,” and “HAPPY TEARS,” helping him build a dedicated fan base and establish a strong presence in contemporary hip-hop.

Just days before his death, the rapper released a new single titled “Out of Town Bae” on February 13, 2026. He had also been preparing for future performances and continued to work on new music in the weeks leading up to his passing.

News of Lil Poppa’s death prompted tributes from fans and fellow artists across the music industry, reflecting the impact of his work and the shock surrounding the sudden loss of the young performer. Authorities have not released further details as the investigation into the circumstances of his death continues.