Lil Poppa's Cause of Death Ruled a Suicide

The 25-year-old rapper died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the medical examiner's office.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Lil Poppa's cause of death has been ruled a suicide due to a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office. The 25-year-old rapper, whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler, died on Wednesday. Poppa had recently released new music and was scheduled to perform at a Birthday Bash show in New Orleans in March.

Why it matters

Lil Poppa's death has sparked an outpouring of grief from the hip-hop community, with tributes from fellow artists like Boosie Badazz, Mozzy, Dej Loaf and Nardo Wick. As a rising star signed to Yo Gotti's CMG Records, Poppa's passing at a young age is a tragic loss for the music industry.

The details

The medical examiner's office revealed they conducted an autopsy on Poppa on Thursday (Feb. 19) and determined his cause of death to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Poppa had released his 'Out of Town Bae' single on Feb. 13 and was scheduled to perform at a Birthday Bash show in New Orleans in March. He had signed to CMG Records in 2022 and released several projects with the label, including his Almost Normal Again album last August.

  • Lil Poppa died on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The medical examiner's office conducted an autopsy on Poppa on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • Poppa had released his 'Out of Town Bae' single on February 13, 2026.
  • Poppa was scheduled to perform at a Birthday Bash show in New Orleans in March 2026.

The players

Lil Poppa

A 25-year-old rapper whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler. He was signed to Yo Gotti's CMG Records and had released several projects with the label.

Yo Gotti

The founder of CMG Records, the label that Lil Poppa was signed to.

Boosie Badazz

A rapper who paid tribute to Lil Poppa following his death.

Mozzy

A rapper who paid tribute to Lil Poppa following his death.

Dej Loaf

A rapper who paid tribute to Lil Poppa following his death.

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The takeaway

Lil Poppa's tragic death at just 25 years old is a devastating loss for the hip-hop community. As a rising star signed to a major label, Poppa's passion and authenticity had inspired fans, and his premature passing has left many mourning the unfulfilled potential of a talented young artist.