Fulton County Medical Examiner Confirms Death of Jacksonville Rapper Lil Poppa

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the death of rising Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa, whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler. The artist was 25 years old at the time of his passing, sending shockwaves across the hip-hop community and among fans worldwide.

Authorities in Georgia verified that Lil Poppa died on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. According to official information, he was pronounced dead at approximately 11:23 a.m. in Fulton County. However, the medical examiner’s office has not yet released the cause of death, and further details remain under investigation. 

The sudden news sparked widespread concern and speculation online, but officials have urged patience as they complete their review.

Lil Poppa was a prominent voice in Southern hip-hop and part of the growing Jacksonville rap scene. Born in 2000, he began writing and recording music at a young age and gained national recognition in 2018 with his breakout track “Purple Hearts,” inspired by surviving a shooting in his hometown. 

His music stood out for its emotional depth, vulnerability, and storytelling. He often addressed topics such as:

• Mental health struggles

• Relationships and heartbreak

• Trauma and survival

• Street life and personal growth

Fans and critics praised his ability to blend melodic rap with introspective lyrics.

Over the years, Lil Poppa built a loyal fanbase and a steadily growing career. Some of his major achievements include:

• Signing with **Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group

• Releasing multiple mixtapes and albums

• Achieving millions of streams across platforms

• Gaining nearly a million social media followers

• Becoming known for hits such as “Love & War”

His 2021 debut album Blessed, I Guess reflected on fame, personal struggles, and emotional resilience. His most recent project, Almost Normal Again, was released in August 2025. 

Just days before his death, he dropped a new single titled “Out of Town Bae,” showing that his career was still on the rise.