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Rapper Lil Poppa Dies at 25 After Release

Bintano News Desk
2/19/2026
Rapper Lil Poppa Dies at 25 After Release

Lil Poppa, a popular rapper based out of Jacksonville, Florida, has died at the age of 25, just days after releasing a new song.

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The musician - born Janarious Mykel Wheeler - was pronounced dead on Wednesday, the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office in Georgia told TMZ.

The hip hop star's cause of death has not yet been released.

On Friday, the rapper released a new track titled Out Of Town Bae, and shared the music video to his Instagram account. 

Lil Poppa rose to prominence with his fan-favorite song Love & War. 

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The Daily Mail has reached out to Lil Poppa's representative for comment.

Lil Poppa, a popular rapper based out of Jacksonville, Florida, has died at the age of 25, just days after releasing a new song; He is pictured in 2024

Lil Poppa, a popular rapper based out of Jacksonville, Florida, has died at the age of 25, just days after releasing a new song; He is pictured in 2024

Lil Poppa was scheduled to perform in New Orleans in March.

The hip hop artist was signed to Yo Gotti's Collective Music Group. His other hits include Mind Over Matter and HAPPY TEARS.

His most recent album, Almost Normal Again, came out in August 2025.

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Comedian and rapper Lil Duval took to X to pay tribute to Lil Poppa, expressing deep regret over a missed opportunity for the two to connect in recent weeks. 

'This one really hurt me cuz i really cared about lil poppa. Most of us in Jacksonville knew him since he was a kid. And we all wanted him to win and he was. Cuz once the drill music died done he was the only one left standing,' he wrote.

'And he deserved it cuz He was really who all these other YN rappers wanted to be in Jacksonville. Even his enemies was his fans first.'

'We talked a couple weeks ago he said "i know i was suppose been pulled up to camp Duval but i been busy but im definitely pulling up soon" and i said "ain't no rush it ain't going no where" now i wish i would've forced it.' 

YouTube star Davo Migo wrote on X, 'Lil Poppa you hurt my feelings with this one not gon lie.'

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The musician - born Janarious Mykel Wheeler - was pronounced dead on Wednesday, the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office in Georgia told TMZ; Pictured in 2024

The musician - born Janarious Mykel Wheeler - was pronounced dead on Wednesday, the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office in Georgia told TMZ; Pictured in 2024

His cause of death has not yet been released; Pictured in 2023 performing in Atlanta, Georgia

His cause of death has not yet been released; Pictured in 2023 performing in Atlanta, Georgia

On Friday, the rapper released a new track titled Out Of Town Bae, and shared the music video to his Instagram account

On Friday, the rapper released a new track titled Out Of Town Bae, and shared the music video to his Instagram account

Comedian and rapper Lil Duval took to X to pay tribute to Lil Poppa, expressing deep regret over a missed opportunity for the two to connect in recent weeks

Comedian and rapper Lil Duval took to X to pay tribute to Lil Poppa, expressing deep regret over a missed opportunity for the two to connect in recent weeks

Great Day Records CEO Caroline 'Baroline' Diaz, who played a pivotal role in the artist's rise, also paid homage on X

Great Day Records CEO Caroline 'Baroline' Diaz, who played a pivotal role in the artist's rise, also paid homage on X

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YouTube star Davo Migo wrote on X, 'Lil Poppa you hurt my feelings with this one not gon lie'

YouTube star Davo Migo wrote on X, 'Lil Poppa you hurt my feelings with this one not gon lie'

One of the rapper's fans wrote on X, 'Rest in Peace to a real talent. Lil Poppa¿s music spoke to so many of us and his storytelling was unmatched'

One of the rapper's fans wrote on X, 'Rest in Peace to a real talent. Lil Poppa’s music spoke to so many of us and his storytelling was unmatched'

'Lil poppa you hurt the city bro,' another fan added

'Lil poppa you hurt the city bro,' another fan added

Great Day Records CEO Caroline 'Baroline' Diaz, who played a pivotal role in the artist's rise, also paid homage on X.

'My little brother is gone, Poppa I love you so much. I am so broken. One of the first artists I had at Interscope. A&R'ed 4 of his projects. I'm so sad right now.'

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One of the rapper's fans wrote on X, 'Rest in Peace to a real talent. Lil Poppa’s music spoke to so many of us and his storytelling was unmatched. Sending prayers and strength to his family, his team at CMG, and the entire Jacksonville community during this incredibly difficult time. Gone way too soon.'

'RIP Lil Poppa one of the greatest talents of our generation,' another fan added.

The rapper's death comes just one month ahead of his 26th birthday on March 18. 

aggregated from the Daily Mail.

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