Rapper Lil Poppa Dies in Atlanta at 25

Janarious Mykel Wheeler, the Jacksonville, Florida, rapper known as Lil Poppa, has died at age 25 in metro Atlanta, Fulton County authorities confirmed.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Janarious Mykel Wheeler, the 25-year-old rapper known as Lil Poppa, was pronounced dead on February 18, 2026 in Fulton County, Georgia. Wheeler was signed to Collective Music Group (CMG), the record label founded by rapper Yo Gotti, and had been active in his music career in the weeks before his death. The cause and manner of his death are currently pending investigation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office.

Why it matters

Lil Poppa was a rising young rapper with a promising career, and his sudden death at the age of 25 is a tragic loss for the music industry and his fans. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been made public, raising questions and concerns about the safety and wellbeing of young artists in the industry.

The details

Janarious Mykel Wheeler, known professionally as Lil Poppa, was a rapper from Jacksonville, Florida who was signed to Collective Music Group (CMG), the record label founded by rapper Yo Gotti. Wheeler had been active in his music career in the weeks before his death, recently releasing a music video for his single "Out of Town Bae." The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office reported that Wheeler was pronounced dead just after 11 a.m. on February 18, 2026 in Fulton County, Georgia. The cause and manner of his death are currently pending investigation.

  • Wheeler was pronounced dead on February 18, 2026 in Fulton County, Georgia.
  • The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office reported that Wheeler was pronounced dead just after 11 a.m. on February 18, 2026.

The players

Janarious Mykel Wheeler

Also known as the rapper Lil Poppa, Wheeler was a 25-year-old rapper from Jacksonville, Florida who was signed to Collective Music Group (CMG), the record label founded by rapper Yo Gotti.

Collective Music Group (CMG)

The record label founded by rapper Yo Gotti that Lil Poppa was signed to.

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What they’re saying

“We are stunned and devastated by the loss of our beloved family member, Janarious 'Lil Poppa' Wheeler. Poppa was more than just a talented artist—he was an ambitious young man with depth beyond his years and endless potential. Our love for him knew no bounds.”

— Collective Music Group (CMG) (Instagram)

“This is truly a heartbreaking loss for everyone who knew and loved him. Please keep his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”

— Collective Music Group (CMG) (Instagram)

What’s next

The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office will examine Janarious Wheeler on Thursday, February 19, 2026 to determine the cause and manner of his death.

The takeaway

The sudden and tragic death of rising rapper Lil Poppa at the age of 25 highlights the need for greater support and safeguards for young artists in the music industry, as well as a deeper understanding of the challenges and pressures they face.