Janarious Mykel Wheeler, better known by his stage name Lil Poppa, was an American rapper from Jacksonville, Florida, born on March 18, 2000.
He first started making music as a child, writing songs for his church and freestyling in his neighborhood before releasing music more seriously as a teenager.
His early rise began with tracks like “Purple Hearts” in 2018, a song inspired by surviving a shooting, which helped him gain wider attention online.
Lil Poppa’s music was known for its emotional honesty, blending melodic rap with reflections on personal trauma, relationships, and life challenges.
Over the years, he released several projects, including his Interscope Records-backed album Blessed, I Guess.
Later, he worked under Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG) label, helping him build a strong national following before 2026.
Tragically, Lil Poppa died on February 18, 2026, at the age of 25, as confirmed by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia.
Moreover, the office has said that the cause and manner of his death are still under investigation and have not been publicly released, and no official statement from his family has been shared.
However, many social media posts claim that he died by suicide and that he left a message to his mother before his passing, although these claims have not been officially confirmed.
Fans, fellow artists, and followers on social media responded to news of his passing with shock and heartfelt tributes.
It is reported that Lil Poppa was raised by his mother, Lynn Hickson, and was influenced by his family as he grew up in Jacksonville, Florida.
According to multiple interviews and biographical profiles, his mother gave him the nickname “Poppa” when he was young, and he added “Lil” later as part of his rap persona.
He spent his childhood between his mother’s home and relatives’ homes, and he began making music influenced by his family and church environment from an early age.
During this difficult time, his mother has not spoken publicly about his demise or shared any details regarding a celebration of life or other arrangements.
May God give his mother and other family members strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.
Rest In Peace, Beautiful Soul.
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