The hip-hop community is in mourning following the sudden death of Janarious Mykel Wheeler, the Jacksonville-based rapper known professionally as Lil Poppa. The 25-year-old artist passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Georgia, just days after releasing new music.
Circumstances of Death
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Wheeler died in Georgia and was pronounced dead at 11:23 a.m. on Wednesday. While an investigation is currently underway, the official cause and manner of death remained pending as of Wednesday evening.
Initial reports of his passing were first shared by TMZ, leading to a massive wave of shock across social media, particularly given that the rapper had been active and releasing new content as recently as last week.
Career and Musical Legacy
Born in 2000, Lil Poppa emerged as a prominent voice in the Florida rap scene, known for his melodic flow and introspective storytelling.
- The Breakthrough: He rose to mainstream attention with his 2021 debut studio album, Blessed, I Guess.
- CMG Signing: His talent caught the attention of veteran rapper Yo Gotti, leading to a high-profile signing with Collective Music Group (CMG).
- Hit Discography: He recorded several fan favorites, including “Love & War,” “Mind Over Matter,” and “HAPPY TEARS.”
- Final Project: His latest album, Almost Normal Again, was released in August 2025. He spent much of the latter half of that year on a successful 20-date tour across the United States to promote the project.
Industry Tributes
As news of his death spread, tributes began to flood social media from collaborators, executives, and fans who had followed his journey from the streets of Jacksonville to global stages.
Caroline “Baroline” Diaz, CEO of Great Day Records and a long-term mentor to Poppa, shared a heartbreaking message on X (formerly Twitter):
“My little brother is gone. Poppa I love you so much. I am so broken…”
Fans have noted the tragic irony of his passing occurring so soon after the release of his latest single, a move that was intended to kickstart his 2026 creative cycle.
Investigation Status
Local authorities in Georgia and Florida are reportedly working to piece together the events leading up to his death. The Fulton County Medical Examiner has indicated that toxicology and forensic results will be released once the autopsy is completed.
Lil Poppa leaves behind a legacy of resilience and raw emotion, having used his short time in the spotlight to document the complexities of life, loss, and survival in the South.
Source: TMZ
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