ATLANTA — American rapper Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, has died at the age of 25 after being found in Fulton County, Georgia, authorities confirmed.
The Jacksonville, Florida-born artist was pronounced dead late Wednesday morning, according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office. Officials said an investigation was launched following the discovery, with early reports indicating the death occurred in the Atlanta area.
Lil Poppa built a growing fan base through emotional storytelling and melodic rap, gaining major attention after his 2018 breakout track “Purple Hearts.” He later signed to Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group and released multiple projects, including his album Almost Normal Again in 2025 and a new single just days before his passing.
Tributes quickly spread across social media, with fans and fellow artists remembering him as a talented and introspective performer whose music frequently addressed trauma, relationships and personal struggles.
Authorities later determined the death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to medical examiner findings reported by several outlets.
The news has shocked the hip-hop community, especially given the rapper’s young age and rising momentum in the industry. Mental-health support messages accompanied many tributes as fans mourned the loss of a promising voice in modern rap
