‘He was a star’: Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa dies at 25; fans and friends honor his legacy Lil Poppa, a rising rapper from Jacksonville, has died at 25. His hometown fans and friends remember him for his candid lyrics and tireless work ethic.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Music fans across the United States are mourning the loss of Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa, who has died at age 25.

Lil Poppa, born Janarious Wheeler, died in Georgia, according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, which confirmed his death to First Coast News. The medical examiner’s office told NBC News he died by a gunshot wound to the head, and it was ruled a suicide.

The Jacksonville native built a loyal fan base with emotionally candid lyrics and a relentless dedication to his art that resonated with listeners far beyond Northeast Florida.

“He’s just a great guy. Outside of the music and the artistry, man, he was a good human, and I’ll never forget him,” said Scotty OTH, a friend and music producer who grew up with the rapper.

Scotty OTH, also a Jacksonville native, said the two shared big dreams from a young age.

“I was making beats, then he was making music and 2019, 2018, we ended up making our first track together, but outside it’s deeper than music — that was family to me. We called each other cousins,” he said.

He described Lil Poppa’s work ethic as unmatched.

“A very hard worker. I ain’t never seen nobody outwork Poppa. Poppa is the last man standing in the studio,” Scotty said. He added that “Forever Young” was one of their favorite songs they created together.

In 2022, Lil Poppa signed with Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group, marking a defining moment in his career. He released several fan favorites, including “Love & War,” “Mind Over Matter” and “HAPPY TEARS,” along with projects such as “Almost Normal Again.”

Just days before his death, he released a new single titled “Out of Town Bae.”

Since news of his passing broke, Lil Poppa has been trending on X. He had nearly one million followers on Instagram and more than 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

“I feel empty. But I love him. I love him to death. I always will, and I’m just trying to compartmentalize everything,” Scotty said.

Photographer and creator Terrence Tyson said he met Lil Poppa at the very beginning of his career and watched him rise.

“I know how myself and a lot of other people, how hard we went for him to get where he needed to be. It was a shock and it was a big loss,” Tyson said.

Tyson said the rapper pushed through trials and tribulations to create opportunities for himself and others.

“When he made it, it felt like everyone made it,” Tyson said. “He was a star.”

Lil Poppa was scheduled to perform at his birthday bash on March 21 at The Fillmore in New Orleans.

As Jacksonville and fans across the country mourn his death, those closest to him say his heart and music will keep his memory alive.

“He’s gonna live on, and his legacy is gonna continue,” Scotty said.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. You can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime by texting, calling or chatting online.