Rapper Lil Poppa, 25, died in Georgia on Feb. 18, 2026; cause unknown.

Rapper Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, died at 25 on February 18, 2026, in Georgia, according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office, which confirmed death at 11:23 a.m. ET. The cause remains unconfirmed. A Jacksonville, Florida-based artist signed to Yo Gotti’s CMG label, he rose to prominence with hits like “Love & War” and “Mind Over Matter,” and released his latest single, “Out of Town Bae,” just days before his death. He was scheduled to perform in New Orleans in March. Tributes from fans and fellow artists highlighted his emotional authenticity and impact on Southern hip-hop.