The cause of death of Janarious Wheeler, as the US rapper was born, is still unknown.
The US rapper Lil Poppa, real name Janarious Mykel Wheeler, died on February 18, 2026 at the age of 25. Authorities officially confirmed his death in the US state of Georgia.
Nothing is yet known about the exact cause of death. Fans and colleagues are therefore waiting for further official information and in the meantime sharing memories of Wheeler.
“I am so devastated”
Great Day Records CEO Caroline Diaz wrote on
Comedian and musician Lil Duval also wrote moving farewell words on Enemies were first his fans.”
Lil Poppa: life and work
Wheeler was born in Jacksonville, Florida and spent his childhood there. At an early age he developed a passion for music – especially rap. So he began writing his own lyrics and forming a personal style that combined introspective, emotional content with melodic trap beats. His breakthrough came in 2018 with the single “Purple Hearts,” which brought him his first national attention in the hip-hop scene.
In recent years, Lil Poppa has consistently expanded his career. He signed with Collective Music Group, rapper Yo Gotti’s label, and released a number of successful songs. His most famous tracks include “Love & War”, “Mind Over Matter” and “HAPPY TEARS”. In his music he regularly addressed themes such as loss, mental strength and the tension between street life and commercial success.
New single shortly before his death
Just days before his death, Lil Poppa released his new track “Out of Town Bae” on February 13, 2026. Listen here:
Some fans expressed their condolences online with purple hearts – symbolic of the song that made his breakthrough possible. Rapper Famous Dex responded to Poppa’s last Instagram post with the emojis of a white dove and a red heart, expressing his condolences.
