In Loving Memory of Lil Poppa (Janarious Mykel Wheeler)
The hip-hop world is mourning the devastating loss of 25-year-old rapper Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, whose life and promising 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. The cause of death has not yet been publicly released, leaving fans, loved ones, and fellow artists grappling with shock and unanswered questions.
Hailing from Jacksonville, Lil Poppa emerged as one of the most emotionally transparent voices of his generation. Signed to Collective Music Group (CMG), he carved out a space in hip-hop that was rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and lived experience. His music was never just entertainment — it was testimony. Through raw lyricism and reflective storytelling, he gave listeners an unfiltered look into personal struggles, trauma, resilience, and the fight to overcome life’s hardships.
Lil Poppa’s artistry resonated deeply with fans who saw themselves in his words. He spoke openly about mental health, loss, and the emotional weight of growing up in difficult circumstances. His authenticity built a loyal and passionate following, with supporters who admired not only his talent but his courage to speak truth in a genre that often masks vulnerability.
In August 2025, he released his 16-track album Almost Normal Again, a project widely praised for its emotional depth and maturity. The album showcased his growth as both an artist and a man — reflective, introspective, and unafraid to confront pain head-on. Each track carried a sense of evolution, revealing an artist who was coming into his own while remaining grounded in the experiences that shaped him.
Just days before his untimely passing, Lil Poppa dropped a new single and music video titled Out of Town Bae. The release demonstrated his continued momentum and creative drive. Fans celebrated what felt like the beginning of another powerful chapter in his career, unaware that it would be among his final offerings.
Beyond the music, those who knew Janarious remember a young man striving for more — more growth, more healing, more success. At only 25 years old, he still had countless dreams ahead of him. His sudden departure leaves a void not only in hip-hop but in the lives of the people who loved him most.
As tributes pour in across social media, one message remains clear: Lil Poppa’s voice mattered. His honesty gave others permission to confront their own pain. His resilience inspired hope. His music created connection. Though his life was brief, his impact was profound.
In remembering Lil Poppa, we remember an artist who turned vulnerability into strength and struggle into art. His words will continue to echo through speakers, playlists, and hearts around the world.
May Janarious Mykel Wheeler rest in peace. His legacy lives on in every lyric, every verse, and every life he touched.








