In Loving Memory of Lil Poppa (Janarious Mykel Wheeler)
The hip-hop community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 25-year-old rapper Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, whose life and career were tragically cut short on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, Wheeler was pronounced deceased at 11:23 a.m. while the cause of death has not yet been publicly released. Fans, fellow artists, and loved ones are grappling with the sudden passing of a young artist whose voice had resonated far beyond his hometown of Jacksonville.
Signed to Collective Music Group (CMG), Lil Poppa rose to prominence through music that was as raw as it was real. His lyrics often offered unflinching insight into personal struggles, hardships, and the perseverance required to overcome them. Over the years, he built a dedicated following, drawing listeners who connected deeply with his openness about mental health challenges and the realities of life.
In August 2025, Lil Poppa released his 16-track album Almost Normal Again, a project praised for its emotional depth and honesty. Just days before his untimely passing, he dropped a new single and music video titled “Out of Town Bae”, continuing to show his growth as an artist and his commitment to expressing life experiences through his music. His work consistently highlighted the vulnerability, resilience, and authenticity that so many fans admired and related to.
Beyond the stage and studio, Lil Poppa was a devoted father. He leaves behind a young son, a reminder of the personal legacy he built beyond his music. The pain of his loss is compounded for family and friends, who must now navigate life without him while holding onto the memories and love he shared.
Social media and the hip-hop community have been flooded with tributes honoring Lil Poppa’s life, talent, and impact. Fellow artists have praised his lyrical authenticity, his ability to connect with fans, and the way his music offered comfort to those facing similar struggles. While his time was short, the influence of his art and the emotional honesty he brought to hip-hop will endure for years to come.
The legacy of Lil Poppa is not just in his music, but in the courage it took to speak openly about life’s hardships. He inspired countless listeners to confront their own struggles, to find strength in vulnerability, and to embrace the complexities of life. His voice — both literal and metaphorical — will remain a guiding presence for fans navigating their own journeys.
To his family, fans, and the music community: may you find comfort in the joy he created, the lives he touched, and the love he shared. Though gone too soon, Lil Poppa’s spirit and art live on, a testament to a young man whose honesty and talent left an indelible mark on hip-hop.
Rest in peace, Lil Poppa (Janarious Mykel Wheeler).
You were loved, admired, and will never be forgotten.
Your music, your words, and your legacy continue to inspire.
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