JACKSONVILLE, FL (THECOUNT) — Janarious Mykel Wheeler, known professionally as Lil Poppa, has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia.
He was 25 years old.
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Lil Poppa was pronounced dead on Monday at 11:23 a.m. ET. The cause of death has been ruled a suicide, officials confirmed. Wheeler was a Jacksonville-based rapper and part of Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG).
Over the past several years, Lil Poppa released multiple hit tracks, including “Love & War,” “Mind Over Matter,” and “HAPPY TEARS.” In August of last year, he released a 16-song album titled “Almost Normal Again.” Just last week, he dropped a new single, “Out of Town Bae,” and had been scheduled to perform next month in New Orleans.
Fans and collaborators have shared tributes online. Caroline “Baroline” Diaz, who worked with Lil Poppa on several projects at Interscope, wrote on X, “My little brother is gone, Poppa I love you so much. I am so broken. One of the first artists I had at Interscope. A&R’ed 4 of his projects. I’m so sad right now……..” Social media posts in the comments of his most recent Instagram post also show fans mourning the loss.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the rapper’s death resulted from a gunshot to the head. Authorities are treating the case as a suicide, and there is no evidence of foul play. No further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident have been released at this time.
Lil Poppa gained recognition in the music industry for his contributions to CMG, the label founded by rapper Yo Gotti. He developed a growing fan base for his emotionally charged lyrics and dynamic performances. His work included collaborations with other artists in the hip-hop and rap scene, contributing to his rising profile in the genre.
Despite his young age, Lil Poppa had built a significant body of work. His music, including both albums and singles, has been streamed widely on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. Fans celebrated his talent and creativity, noting his potential to become a major figure in rap.
The news of his death has prompted discussions on mental health awareness and support for young artists in the music industry. Authorities continue to handle the case in accordance with standard procedures, and his family and label representatives are coordinating arrangements for his memorial and tributes.
Lil Poppa’s passing is a significant loss to his community and fans. As investigators complete their review of the case, authorities encourage anyone affected by the news to seek support and resources for coping with grief and mental health struggles.
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