Lil Poppa Laid to Rest in Gold Casket, Manager Speaks Out

Rapper's manager Dee Dee shares emotional words at funeral service in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Lil Poppa, the Jacksonville, Florida rapper signed to Yo Gotti's CMG label, was laid to rest in a gold casket following a public funeral service at Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in his hometown. During the service, Poppa's manager Dee Dee spoke out for the first time since his passing, sharing fond memories and revealing what she told the rapper before his tragic death by suicide on February 18.

Why it matters

Lil Poppa's death by suicide at the young age of 24 has deeply impacted the hip-hop community, highlighting the ongoing mental health struggles many artists face. His manager's emotional words at the funeral provide a personal perspective on Poppa's state of mind and the support he received from those close to him.

The details

Hundreds of fans attended Lil Poppa's funeral service, where he was laid to rest in a gold casket. During the service, his manager Dee Dee spoke fondly about Poppa, whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler. She revealed that Poppa was never happy with his life, despite making others happy with his music. Dee Dee also shared the final conversation she had with Poppa, where she urged him not to stop praying and reminded him of the family and people who needed him.

  • Lil Poppa died on February 18, 2026.
  • His funeral service was held on March 7, 2026.

The players

Lil Poppa

A 24-year-old rapper from Jacksonville, Florida who was signed to Yo Gotti's CMG label.

Dee Dee

Lil Poppa's manager, who spoke at his funeral service.

Yo Gotti

The founder of CMG record label, who signed Lil Poppa in 2022.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Everybody has to deal with they own things on they own time. And, if you really knew Poppa, you knew this is what Poppa wanted. Poppa was never happy with life. It had nothing to do with anybody. He just feel like he wasn't making nobody happy. And that wasn't the way it was supposed to be. Because, in truth, he made all of us happy.”

— Dee Dee, Lil Poppa's Manager

“I said, 'Don't ever stop praying.' I said, 'You have a song to live for.' I said, 'You have a family of people that need you and depend on you.'”

— Dee Dee, Lil Poppa's Manager

What’s next

The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office in Georgia is expected to release Lil Poppa's official cause of death report in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Lil Poppa's tragic death by suicide at just 24 years old underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues in the music industry and providing support for artists struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. His manager's emotional words at the funeral service offer a poignant reminder of the human toll behind the headlines.