Lil Poppa—Jacksonville rapper signed to Yo Gotti’s label—has passed away at 25
Today (February 18), the music world was shaken by the news that Jacksonville, Florida rapper Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, has died at the age of 25. TMZ confirmed the tragic news, reporting that Poppa was pronounced dead that day at 11:23 AM EST; at the time of publication, the exact cause of death had not been officially released.
The announcement sparked an immediate outpouring of grief from fans and fellow artists across social platforms. Many in his hometown of Jacksonville expressed heartbreak as tributes flooded in for the young artist, with local commentators noting how the city was “mourning” his passing.
Lil Poppa had carved out his place in Hip-Hop with a sound rooted in raw emotion and personal storytelling. Emerging from the Florida Rap scene, he built a loyal fan base through a series of releases, energetic performances, and a style that blended grit with vulnerability. His authenticity on tracks and in interviews helped him stand out among rising artists of his generation.
At just 25, Poppa had achieved milestones that hinted at a promising future: He had released multiple well-received projects, collaborated with peers, and was scheduled to perform in New Orleans the following month.
Details surrounding his death remain limited and are expected to emerge as investigations continue. For now, his passing is a stark reminder of both the pressures faced by young creatives in the music industry and the fragility of life. Fans continue to honour his legacy, sharing his music and memories as they grapple with the loss of an artist taken far too soon.
