Rapper Lil Poppa has died, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed on Wednesday (Feb. 18). The Jacksonville rapper (born Janarious Mykel Wheeler) was 25 years old.
Poppa’s cause of death remains under investigation at this time, as details remain scarce. There’s been an outpouring of support from the rapper’s fans and peers since news of his death broke. Dej Loaf, Mozzy and Nardo Wick were among the rappers to pay tribute to Poppa.
Great Day Records CEO Caroline “Baroline” Diaz, who worked with Poppa in the early stages of his career, also paid homage on X. “My little brother is gone,” Diaz wrote. “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.”
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
Lil Poppa signed to Yo Gotti’s CMG label in 2022. He’s notched collaborations over the years with Gotti, Polo G, Rylo Rodriguez, Toosii, Mozzy, Yungeen Ace and Seddy Hendrix.
Last week, Poppa returned to unleash his “Out of Town Bae” single on Feb. 13. He had been on tour in late 2025 and had a Birthday Bash show set for March in New Orleans.
Lil Poppa earned a pair of entries on the Billboard 200 in his career. Poppa’s Blessed, I Guess project reached No. 160 in May 2021 and his Under Investigation 3 album peaked at No. 194 in May 2022. He landed several placements on the Heatseekers Albums chart, including a peak of No. 4 thanks to Heavy is the Head in November 2022.
Billboard has reached out to reps for Lil Poppa for comment.
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