Janarious Mykel Wheeler, known professionally as Lil Poppa, a rapper hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, passed away at the age of 25. According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia, Wheeler was pronounced dead on February 18, 2026, at 11:23 AM Eastern Time. The cause of death has not been released at this time.
Lil Poppa was signed to Collective Music Group (CMG), a label owned by rapper Yo Gotti. Over recent years, he released several notable tracks including “Love & War,” “Mind Over Matter,” and “HAPPY TEARS.” His most recent album, “Almost Normal Again,” featured 16 songs and was released in August of the previous year. Additionally, he released a single titled “Out of Town Bae” just a few days before his passing, on February 13, 2026.
He had been scheduled to perform in New Orleans next month, illustrating a still-active career in the music industry. Fans and colleagues have expressed their condolences following the news of his death.
Lil Poppa’s contribution to rap, particularly within the Jacksonville music scene, marked him as an emerging talent whose life was cut short. Further details regarding the circumstances of his death are pending release from authorities.
