Lil Poppa dies at 25 as tributes pour in from hip hop community

Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa dies at 25, leaving behind growing legacy as artists share tributes and fans mourn loss

Pitchfork reports that Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa has died at the age of 25. An official cause of death has not been disclosed.

Born Janarious Mykel Wheeler in 2000, Lil Poppa began his musical journey at a young age, initially writing religious rap songs for his local church before transitioning into secular hip-hop. He gained wider recognition in 2018 with the release of “Purple Hearts,” a track reflecting on surviving a shooting in his hometown. The song later appeared on his debut mixtape Under Investigation, helping establish his presence in the rap scene.

Following the success of “Purple Hearts,” Lil Poppa signed with Interscope Records and released his debut studio project Blessed, I Guess in 2021, which explored the complexities of sudden fame. He later joined Collective Music Group, founded by Yo Gotti, further expanding his reach within the industry.

His most recent album, Almost Normal Again, was released in August 2025, while his latest single, “Out of Town Bae,” dropped shortly before his death.

Tributes have poured in from across the hip-hop community, with artists including Meek Mill, Boosie Badazz, Dej Loaf, Mozzy, Nardo Wick, and Lil Duval sharing messages of remembrance. Fellow Florida rapper Yungeen Ace also paid tribute on social media, reflecting on their shared experiences and expressing appreciation for reconnecting before Lil Poppa’s passing.

Lil Poppa was widely recognized for his emotionally driven style, contributing to the rise of Southern “pain rap,” a subgenre noted for its introspective and personal storytelling. Further details surrounding his death have not yet been announced.