Who Was Lil Poppa? Jacksonville Rapper’s Life, Music, and Career

Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa has reportedly died at the age of 25, leaving fans shocked and the hip-hop community mourning the loss of one of the city’s most emotionally authentic voices.

Born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, the rising artist built a loyal following through raw storytelling, melodic trap beats, and deeply personal lyrics that reflected life in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.

Lil Poppa’s Early Life and Background

Lil Poppa was born on March 18, 2000, in Jacksonville — a city that has produced several influential rappers in recent years. Growing up, he used music as an outlet to process hardship, loss, and street realities, themes that later defined his signature sound.

Unlike many of his peers, his music leaned heavily into vulnerability and introspection rather than bravado, which helped him stand out in the Southern rap scene.

How Lil Poppa Became Famous

His breakthrough came with the “Under Investigation” mixtape series, which introduced listeners to his:

• Pain-driven storytelling
• Smooth melodic flow
• Honest reflections on trauma and survival

The projects gained traction online and positioned him as one of the most promising young rappers from Jacksonville.

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Record Deal and Mainstream Rise

Lil Poppa later signed with Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG) in partnership with Interscope Records, a major step that expanded his national reach.

The deal placed him alongside other rising Southern hip-hop artists and signaled strong industry belief in his potential.

Latest Music Before His Death

His most recent single, “Out Of Town Bae,” was released on February 13, 2026, showing continued growth in his melodic style and emotional depth.

Fans had been actively sharing the track online just days before news of his passing surfaced.

Reports Confirming His Death

Speculation about Lil Poppa’s death first spread across social media before reports confirmed that the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia pronounced him dead at 11:23 AM ET.

As of now, official details surrounding the circumstances have not been widely disclosed.

Lil Poppa’s Legacy in Hip-Hop

Though his life was cut short, Lil Poppa leaves behind a catalog that resonated with listeners who connected to his honesty about pain, loyalty, and perseverance.

He is remembered as:

• One of Jacksonville’s most introspective rap voices
• A pioneer of melodic street storytelling
• An artist whose authenticity earned deep fan loyalty

His music continues to circulate widely online as fans pay tribute to his impact.

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