Janarious Mykel Wheeler, better known to the music world as Lil Poppa, has died at the age of 25. The news has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with fans, fellow artists, and media outlets paying tribute to an artist whose emotionally candid lyrics and relentless work ethic made him one of the most compelling voices in contemporary hip-hop.
Early Life and the Birth of Lil Poppa
Lil Poppa was born Janarious Mykel Wheeler in 2000 and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. His early life was rooted in the local community’s vibrant music scene. Music wasn’t just an interest — it was part of his upbringing:
Jacksonville was not just a hometown — it was his artistic foundation. The city’s influence shaped his worldview and the raw emotional honesty that would later define his music.
The Official Confirmation: What We Know
The news was first brought to light by reports from major outlets like TMZ and later confirmed by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia. According to official records, Lil Poppa was pronounced deceased at 11:23 a.m. ET on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
At the time of his passing, Poppa was in Atlanta, Georgia. While he was a proud son of Jacksonville, Florida, Atlanta serves as the central hub for the Southern hip-hop industry and his record label, Collective Music Group (CMG). His presence there was consistent with his professional schedule, which included recording sessions and preparations for an upcoming tour.
The Cause of Death: Current Status
As of today, the official cause of death remains under investigation. The Fulton County Medical Examiner has not yet released a final determination, as standard procedures—including toxicology reports and a full autopsy—can take several weeks to finalize.
A Career Defined by Resilience
To understand the weight of Lil Poppa’s death, one must look at the “carrier” information of his career—the trajectory that took him from the Eastside of Jacksonville to the top of the Billboard charts.
The Jacksonville Roots
Born on March 18, 2000, Janarious Wheeler grew up in a landscape that demanded toughness. He began rapping as early as age six, originally finding his voice through church bars before moving into the secular rap scene at 12. His moniker, “Poppa,” was a childhood nickname that stuck as he transitioned into a professional artist.
His breakthrough came in 2018 with the haunting single “Purple Hearts.” The track was more than a hit; it was a testimonial. It detailed his survival of a shooting that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. This “survivor’s guilt” became the heartbeat of his discography.
Signing with CMG and Global Impact
Lil Poppa’s talent caught the eye of industry titans, eventually leading him to sign with Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG) in 2022. This partnership propelled him into a new tier of the industry. His major projects included:
At the time of his death, Lil Poppa had amassed over 648 million streams across platforms. His music resonated deeply with listeners in the UK and EU, where the “melodic drill” and “pain rap” genres have a massive, dedicated following.
The Personal Legacy: Family and Fatherhood
Beyond the music, Lil Poppa was a father and a partner. He was in a long-term, largely private relationship with Toie Roberts, the daughter of hip-hop mogul Rick Ross.
In June 2022, the couple welcomed their son, Kofi J’nar (affectionately known as PJ). The birth of his son was a turning point for Poppa; he often mentioned in interviews that fatherhood gave him a reason to “keep his head on straight” and provided a sense of peace that the streets never could. Rick Ross, who embraced his role as a “Gucci Grandpa,” often spoke highly of Poppa’s work ethic and dedication to his family.
Final Thoughts: A Voice Silenced Too Soon
The “Lil Poppa death” news is a reminder of the fragility of life within the music community. At just 25, he had reached a level of maturity in his songwriting that many artists never achieve. He leaves behind a legacy of over ten albums and a son who will grow up knowing his father through the raw, honest stories left behind in his verses.
As we wait for the Fulton County Medical Examiner to provide the final answers regarding his cause of death, the focus remains on celebrating his life. Lil Poppa taught his listeners that it’s okay to not be okay—and that even in the darkest moments, there is a melody to be found.
Rest in peace, Poppa. The Evergreen Wildchild has finally found his rest.
