Lil Poppa Biography 2026: Age at Death, Cause, Career, Songs, Net Worth, Family, Son
Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, was a rising Jacksonville, Florida rapper known for his emotional, pain-filled lyrics that blended Southern hip-hop with raw storytelling. He gained national attention with hits like “Purple Hearts,” “Be Something,” and “Love & War,” and signed to Yo Gotti’s CMG label in 2022. Tragically, Lil Poppa died on February 18, 2026, at the age of 25 in Fulton County, Georgia. His death, confirmed by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, has left fans mourning a young talent whose music often reflected his real-life struggles with health issues and loss. As of February 19, 2026, the exact cause of death remains under investigation.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Janarious Mykel Wheeler |
| Stage Name | Lil Poppa (also Lil’ Poppa, That Boy Poppa) |
| Profession | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
| Birth Date | March 18, 2000 |
| Age at Death | 25 |
| Date of Death | February 18, 2026 (pronounced dead at 11:23 a.m. ET) |
| Birth Place | Jacksonville, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | “Purple Hearts,” Under Investigation series, CMG signing, pain rap style |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Height | Approximately 5′ 10″ (estimated from photos) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Religion | Christian (began rapping in church) |
| Marital Status | Never married |
| Partner | Toie Roberts (relationship produced a son) |
| Children | Son: PJ Wheeler (with Toie Roberts) |
| Family | Mother, older brother, aunt; raised on Jacksonville’s Westside |
| Hobbies | Music recording, family time |
| Years Active | 2018–2026 |
| Net Worth (2026 est.) | $1–5 million |
Early Life & Education
Janarious Mykel Wheeler was born on March 18, 2000, and grew up on the Westside of Jacksonville, Florida. Life in the 1200 area was tough, marked by street challenges that later fueled his music. He started rapping at age 6 or 7 in church alongside friends and his older brother. By age 12, he built a makeshift studio in his bedroom closet using a laptop and a basic Radio Shack microphone, uploading tracks to SoundCloud and MyMixtapes. He drew inspiration from artists like Bow Wow, Lil Boosie, Meek Mill, and Lil Wayne. Formal education details are limited, but his early focus was on music as an outlet for his experiences.
Career Journey
Breakthrough Years (2018–2021)
Lil Poppa’s big break came in 2018 with the independent single “Purple Hearts,” which detailed surviving a shooting that killed two close friends. The video racked up over 2.3 million YouTube views quickly. He released the Under Investigation mixtape series, building a loyal following with his honest, melodic style often called “pain music.”
Major Label Era & Success (2022–2025)
In 2022, he signed with Collective Music Group (CMG), founded by Yo Gotti. Key releases included the album Blessed, I Guess (peaked at No. 160 on Billboard 200), Almost Normal, Evergreen Wildchild 2, and Under Investigation 3 (No. 194 on Billboard 200). Standout tracks like “Be Something,” “Doctor,” “Mind Over Matter,” and “HAPPY TEARS” showcased his storytelling. He collaborated with artists across Southern hip-hop and maintained a steady release schedule despite health setbacks.
Final Projects (2026)
Just five days before his death, Lil Poppa released the single “Out of Town Bae” on February 13, 2026. He had a performance scheduled in New Orleans for March 2026.
Career Stats Snapshot
- Mixtapes/Albums: 10+ (including Under Investigation series)
- Notable Singles: “Purple Hearts,” “Love & War,” “Out of Town Bae”
- Label: CMG (2022–2026)
- Streaming: Hundreds of millions of plays across platforms
Personal Life
Lil Poppa kept much of his personal life private but shared glimpses through his music. He was in a relationship with Toie Roberts (eldest daughter of rapper Rick Ross) and they welcomed a son, PJ Wheeler. Family was central to his life—he often spoke about his mother, brother, aunt, and close friends from Jacksonville. He openly discussed living with sickle cell anemia, a condition that caused frequent pain crises and affected his schedule.
Dating History
Primarily linked to Toie Roberts in recent years.
Health Struggles & the 2020 Shooting
In 2020, Lil Poppa survived a shooting that claimed the lives of two friends. He channeled the trauma into “Purple Hearts.” He also battled sickle cell anemia throughout his life and was vocal about mental health challenges, including depression and grief, in both interviews and lyrics. These themes resonated deeply with fans facing similar realities.
Controversies
Lil Poppa largely avoided major public scandals. His music and life reflected the realities of street life and loss, but he focused on positivity and resilience. Online speculation after his death has included unverified claims of suicide or foul play, but authorities have confirmed only that the cause remains under investigation.
Awards & Achievements
- Charting projects on Billboard 200
- Millions of streams and a dedicated fanbase
- Recognition as a key voice in Jacksonville’s hip-hop scene and the broader “pain rap” movement
Interesting Facts
- He started recording music professionally at just 12 years old in a homemade closet studio.
- His stage name “Lil Poppa” honors his father, whom people called “Poppa.”
- He released music consistently even while managing chronic pain from sickle cell anemia.
- He was weeks away from turning 26 and had upcoming tour dates at the time of his passing.
Social Media Links
Lil Poppa was active on Instagram (@lilpoppa) and other platforms, where he shared music updates and personal moments. Accounts remain viewable as of February 19, 2026, though new posts have stopped. His final Instagram story, which surfaced after news of his death, has drawn concern from fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Lil Poppa die?
Lil Poppa (Janarious Mykel Wheeler) was pronounced dead on February 18, 2026, in Fulton County, Georgia. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office has stated that the cause of death is under investigation. No official determination has been released.
Did Lil Poppa die? Is Lil Poppa still alive?
No, Lil Poppa passed away on February 18, 2026, at the age of 25. He is not alive.
How old was Lil Poppa when he died?
He was 25 years old (born March 18, 2000).
What happened to Lil Poppa?
The Jacksonville rapper died suddenly in Georgia just days after releasing his new single “Out of Town Bae.” He had sickle cell anemia and had survived a 2020 shooting earlier in his life. Details about the exact circumstances of his death are still being investigated.
Did Lil Poppa have kids?
Yes, he had a son named PJ with Toie Roberts.
Conclusion
Lil Poppa’s short but impactful career touched many with its honesty and heart. From homemade recordings in a Florida bedroom to national stages under a major label, he turned personal pain into powerful music that will continue to resonate. His passing at just 25 is a heartbreaking loss for hip-hop and his hometown of Jacksonville. Rest in peace, Lil Poppa.
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