Lil Poppa, the promising young rapper whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler, has tragically passed away at the tender age of 25. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia has now confirmed the heartbreaking cause of his death. According to the official report, Lil Poppa died from a gunshot wound to the head, and it has been ruled a suicide. The news was made public on February 18, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
“Lil Poppa’s passing is a profound loss to the music community and his fans worldwide,” shared a representative. “His talent and spirit will be dearly missed.”
Lil Poppa was making waves in the music industry, having been signed to Yo Gotti's Collective Music Group. His debut album, "Blessed, I Guess," released in 2021, managed to gain significant traction on the Billboard charts, marking him as a rising star to watch. In 2022, his mixtape "Under Investigation 3" also found success, further cementing his place in the rap scene.
Tragically, just days before his passing, Lil Poppa released his latest track, "Out of Town Bae," and was gearing up for a performance scheduled in March in New Orleans. His sudden departure leaves a void in the industry and among his fans, who were eager to see more from this talented artist.
As the music world grapples with this loss, it is a stark reminder of the pressures and struggles faced by artists behind the scenes. Lil Poppa’s death is a somber moment, echoing the sentiment that we've lost too many stars in 2026. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this incredibly difficult time. His legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with those who connected with his music and message.