Lil Poppa Dies at 25: Tributes Pour in for Rapper After Tragic Death

Janarious Mykel Wheeler — better known by his stage name Lil Poppa — has died at the age of 25, authorities in Fulton County, Georgia, confirmed. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office said Wheeler died on February 18, 2026, and his death has been officially ruled a self-inflicted death.

Lil Poppa was pronounced dead at 11:23 a.m. ET in Fulton County, which includes the city of Atlanta, Georgia.

Career and Musical Background

Lil Poppa was a Jacksonville, Florida-born rapper who rose to prominence in the late 2010s. Born on March 18, 2000, Wheeler began making music at a young age, originally writing and recording tracks while still in church, and eventually built his own recording setup by age 12.

He first gained national attention in 2018 with the release of his single “Purple Hearts”, noted for its introspective lyrics and personal themes. That song helped establish his profile in hip hop and paved the way for subsequent projects.ALSO READ: R.I.P: Kikuyu Gospel Star Betty Bayo Passes Away

Over the years, Lil Poppa released several albums and mixtapes, including Almost Normal Again in August 2025. He was known for tracks such as “Love & War,”“Mind Over Matter,” and “HAPPY TEARS.”

In 2022, Lil Poppa signed with Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG), a record label that has worked with many emerging and established hip hop artists.

Recent Activity Before Death

Just five days before his death, Lil Poppa released a new single titled “Out of Town Bae.” His social media accounts and streaming platforms featured the release, and he had upcoming appearances and plans for performances, including a scheduled show in New Orleans later that year.

Official Confirmations and Public Reaction

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the manner of Wheeler’s death on February 19, 2026.

Following the news, fans, fellow artists, and collaborators took to social media to share tributes and reflect on Lil Poppa’s rise in hip-hop. Many highlighted his lyrical storytelling and the emotional candour of his music.

Legacy

Lil Poppa built a dedicated fanbase over his eight-year career, crafting music that connected with listeners through real-life themes and narratives. His death at 25 marks a sudden and unexpected loss in the hip hop community.