Who was Lil Poppa? Inside the life and legacy of the 25-year-old rapper

US rapper Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, has died at the age of 25, prompting tributes from fans and fellow artists across the United States.

The Jacksonville native built a reputation for emotionally candid lyrics and a work ethic that set him apart in the melodic trap and pain rap scene. Authorities in Georgia confirmed his death on February 18. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation.

From Jacksonville to national attention

Lil Poppa grew up on the east side of Jacksonville, Florida. He began recording music in his early teens, initially using a basic home set-up before releasing his first tracks independently.

His 2018 single “Purple Hearts” marked a turning point. The song, which reflected on the fatal shooting of two close friends, gained millions of views online and drew attention for its raw honesty.

Chicago rapper Polo G later collaborated with him on “Eternal Living”, which became one of the most streamed tracks in Lil Poppa’s catalogue.

Signing with CMG

In 2022, Lil Poppa signed with Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group, a move widely seen as a defining moment in his career.

He released several fan favourites including “Love & War”, “Mind Over Matter” and “HAPPY TEARS”, alongside projects such as Almost Normal Again.

His music frequently explored themes of grief, survival and ambition, resonating with listeners beyond his Florida roots.

Just days before his death, he released a new single titled “Out of Town Bae”.

Streaming success and growing fan base

At the time of his death, Lil Poppa had amassed hundreds of millions of streams across platforms. He had nearly one million followers on Instagram and more than 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

His tracks often blended melodic hooks with reflective storytelling, earning him a loyal following in the southern US and beyond.

Following news of his death, his name began trending on X as fans revisited his catalogue and shared tributes.

Personal life

Lil Poppa is survived by a young son. He had spoken publicly about fatherhood in interviews and on social media, describing it as a source of motivation in his career.

A career cut short

From recording in a bedroom studio to signing with a major label, Lil Poppa’s rise reflected the independent grind that defines much of modern hip-hop.

Though his career was still unfolding, fans and collaborators say his music will continue to define his legacy.