Rapper Lil Poppa dies in Atlanta at 25 as investigators await Fulton County medical findings

Death confirmed in Fulton County; cause and manner still pending

Rapper Lil Poppa, a Jacksonville, Florida artist whose legal name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler, has died in Atlanta at age 25. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the death on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and said the manner and cause of death remain under investigation.

Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances, including where in Fulton County the death occurred or whether law enforcement agencies are investigating alongside the medical examiner.

Career built from Jacksonville breakout to national-label releases

Lil Poppa emerged from Jacksonville’s rap scene with a style that blended melodic delivery with autobiographical storytelling. He gained broad attention after the release of “Purple Hearts” in 2018 and later developed the “Under Investigation” project series, which helped expand his audience across the Southeast and beyond.

He released major projects through Interscope Records and later joined Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG), a label whose roster has included prominent Southern rap acts. His recording career included collaborations and features with other established artists, reflecting a trajectory that had moved beyond local recognition.

Recent music releases and scheduled performance

Lil Poppa’s most recent single, “Out of Town Bae,” was released on February 13, 2026—five days before his death. His most recent album, “Almost Normal Again,” arrived in 2025 through CMG/Interscope, and was widely distributed on major streaming platforms.

He also had a performance scheduled for March 2026 in New Orleans, a booking that underscored ongoing activity at the time of his death.

• Confirmed date of death: February 18, 2026
• Location of death confirmation: Fulton County, Georgia
• Cause and manner of death: pending investigation
• Latest single: “Out of Town Bae” (released February 13, 2026)
• Latest album: “Almost Normal Again” (released in 2025)

Public reaction and what comes next

News of the rapper’s death prompted tributes from fans and fellow artists across social media, with many posts focusing on his age and the timing of his latest release. The reaction reflects the reach of his catalog among listeners drawn to his frequently personal writing.

Investigators have not announced a cause of death, and the medical examiner’s findings are still pending.

As the investigation continues, any formal determination will come through the medical examiner’s process. Until then, officials have provided no confirmed details beyond the death itself and the status of the case.