Rapper lil poppa Dead at 25, Fulton County Medical Examiner Confirms
Janarious Mykel Wheeler, known professionally as Lil Poppa, has died at the age of 25, the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office said. The office listed the time of death as 11: 23 AM ET. No cause of death has been released and the matter remains under investigation.
Career and recent releases
Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Lil Poppa rose to prominence over the past several years with a string of popular tracks including "Love & War, " "Mind Over Matter" and "HAPPY TEARS. " He released his debut studio album, "Blessed, I Guess, " in 2021 and followed that with a 16-song project, "Almost Normal Again, " this past August. He was signed to Collective Music Group, the label founded by a fellow rapper, and had been building momentum with regular releases and touring plans.
Just days before his death he issued a new single titled "Out of Town Bae, " and the accompanying video was shared publicly. That release was the latest in a steady run of material that drew attention for its candid lyrics and melodic approach, earning him a growing base of listeners and bookings on regional stages.
Circumstances and reaction
The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Wheeler's death and has opened an investigation; officials have not disclosed a cause. The time of death was recorded at 11: 23 AM ET on Wednesday. Authorities and medical examiners are handling standard procedures while the inquiry continues.
In the hours before the confirmation, Wheeler posted a brief video to his social accounts that included lyrics from another artist's song touching on heartbreak and searching for peace of mind. Fans and peers responded to his most recent music releases with shock and sorrow as news spread. Comments under his final post showed disbelief and grief, with many listeners asking for clarity and expressing heartbreak at the loss.
Legacy and upcoming plans
At 25, Lil Poppa had already amassed a notable catalog and a distinct voice within his scene. He was booked to perform in New Orleans next month, a date that reflected his expanding live presence. Colleagues in the industry and fans who appreciated his direct writing and melodic hooks are likely to remember him for the energy he brought to his records and performances.
As investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding his death, tributes and remembrances have begun to proliferate across social conversations. For listeners who had followed his trajectory from early releases to recent projects, the loss marks an abrupt halt to a career that was gaining momentum and a voice that had connected with many young fans.
Further details, including an official cause of death, have not been released. The medical examiner's office will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
