The cause of death for rising Florida rapper Lil Poppa has been confirmed one day after news broke of his passing at age 25.
According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, Janarious Mykel Wheeler—known professionally as Lil Poppa—died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Authorities ruled his death a suicide following an autopsy. The rapper was pronounced dead on February 18 in Georgia.
On Thursday, Collective Music Group (CMG), the label he was signed to, released a heartfelt statement mourning his loss. “We are stunned and devastated by the loss of our beloved family member, Janarious ‘Lil Poppa’ Wheeler,” the statement read. The label described him as more than just a talented artist, calling him a young man with “depth beyond his years” and “endless potential.” CMG pledged to honor his legacy and continue celebrating his artistry.
A Jacksonville native, Lil Poppa built an impressive catalog at a young age, releasing five studio albums and numerous singles. His 2018 breakout track “Purple Hearts,” which reflected on surviving a drive-by shooting, earned him attention from Interscope Records and helped launch his career. He later joined CMG, where he released songs including “Love & War,” “H Spot,” and “Real You.” Just five days before his death, he dropped his latest single, “Out of Town Bae.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or chat via 988lifeline.org. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
