Lil Poppa (Rapper) – Age, Death, Height, Son, Albums, Biography

Lil Poppa (born Janarious Mykel Wheeler; March 18, 2000 – February 18, 2026) was an American rapper and songwriter from Jacksonville, Florida.

Lil Poppa became widely recognized for his melodic “pain music” style, especially after the release of “Purple Hearts” in 2018. His emotionally driven storytelling made him one of the most distinctive voices from Jacksonville’s hip-hop scene before his death at age 25.

Quick Facts / Wiki-Bio

Early Life and Family

Lil Poppa was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, particularly in the Eastside area known as Evergreen. The neighborhood later became central to his identity, reflected in projects such as Evergreen Wildchild.

His childhood included ongoing health challenges. He battled sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder that frequently required hospitalization. He began writing and recording music at a young age, using it as an emotional outlet.

By his early teens, he had set up a basic recording space at home. The loss of close friends during his adolescence deeply influenced his music, shifting his focus toward grief, survival, and reflection rather than traditional street bravado.

Musical Career

2016–2018: Breakout Moment

Lil Poppa began releasing music in his mid-teens. His early project Life After Desi referenced the loss of a close friend, marking the beginning of his trauma-centered storytelling.

In 2018, he released “Purple Hearts.” The song was inspired by a shooting incident he survived. Its melodic tone and vulnerable lyrics gained significant traction online and introduced him to a wider audience beyond Florida.

He later signed with Interscope Records, which helped expand his reach nationally.

2019–2021: Under Investigation Series

Lil Poppa released Under Investigation 2 in 2019, featuring collaborations with Polo G and Mozzy. The track “Eternal Living” became one of his most recognized songs.

In 2021, he released Blessed, I Guess, a project that showed emotional growth and introspection. Songs like “Love & War” reflected on survival, trauma, and guilt.

His ability to blend melody with street storytelling positioned him differently from many Jacksonville drill artists.

2022–2025: CMG Era

In 2022, Lil Poppa signed with Collective Music Group, founded by Yo Gotti. The move gave him broader industry support.

He released:

• Under Investigation 3 (2022)
• Half Man, Half Vamp (2023)
• Almost Normal Again (2025)

These projects balanced emotional vulnerability with themes of success and street pressure. His 2025 work was seen by fans as one of his most reflective periods.

His final single, “Out of Town Bae,” was released shortly before his death in February 2026.

Artistry and Style

Lil Poppa was often described as a “pain rapper.” Unlike aggressive diss-heavy drill music, his lyrics focused on:

• PTSD and trauma
• Survivor’s guilt
• Loyalty and betrayal
• Health struggles related to sickle cell anemia

His vocal delivery relied heavily on melodic flows and emotional cadence, blending rap with soulful elements. This made him one of the more emotionally expressive artists from Jacksonville’s hip-hop scene.

Personal Life

Lil Poppa was in a relationship with Toie Roberts, daughter of rapper Rick Ross. The couple shared a son named PJ.

In June 2019, he survived a shooting in Jacksonville while riding in an SUV. The experience heavily shaped his later music.

Despite gaining success, he often spoke about the difficulty of separating from his upbringing and the realities of street life.

Death

Lil Poppa died on February 18, 2026, in Fulton County, Georgia, at the age of 25. Early reports confirmed his passing, though full public details surrounding the circumstances were limited at the time.

His death prompted tributes from artists across the industry, including Yo Gotti and Polo G. Many fans described him as one of the most emotionally honest voices of his generation.

Net Worth & Income

His estimated net worth at the time of his death was between $1 million and $3 million.

Discography Highlights

Major Projects:

• Evergreen Wildchild (2018)
• Under Investigation 2 (2019)
• Blessed, I Guess (2021)
• Under Investigation 3 (2022)
• Half Man, Half Vamp (2023)
• Almost Normal Again (2025)

Key Songs:

• “Purple Hearts”
• “Eternal Living” (feat. Polo G)
• “Love & War”
• “Out of Town Bae”

Legacy

Lil Poppa is remembered as one of the most introspective artists from Jacksonville’s hip-hop scene. While the city became widely associated with aggressive drill music, he offered a different narrative centered on emotional vulnerability and survival.

His catalog continues to represent a documented reflection of life in Jacksonville during the late 2010s and early 2020s.