Celeb Alerts
Janarious Michael Wheeler (March 18, 2000 – February 18, 2026) was an American rapper and songwriter professionally known as Lil Poppa. He rose to prominence in 2018 with the single “Purple Hearts” and became recognized as one of the defining melodic voices within Jacksonville’s modern hip-hop scene, known for emotionally transparent lyricism and reflective storytelling.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Janarious Mykel Wheeler
- Date of Birth: March 18, 2000
- Date of Death: February 18, 2026
- Age at Death: 25 years
- Birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: African-American
- Profession: Rapper, Songwriter
- Genres: Hip-hop, Southern rap, Trap, Melodic rap
- Years Active: 2018 – 2026
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Net Worth: Estimated $1–5 million
Early Life, Family & Education
Lil Poppa was born on March 18, 2000, in Jacksonville, Florida. He began writing lyrics at a young age and first performed in church before recording music independently during his early teens.
Growing up in Jacksonville significantly influenced his lyrical themes, which often reflected hardship, loyalty, relationships, and emotional resilience.
Parents & Siblings
There is no verified public information confirming the names of Lil Poppa’s parents. He has as spoken about growing up in Jacksonville, Florida and being raised mainly by his mother, but he has never publicly revealed his parents’ names in interviews or official records.
Education
There is limited publicly documented information regarding his formal education, as he focused primarily on developing his music career.
Career
Breakthrough (2018–2020): “Purple Hearts” established his reputation for emotionally honest and melodic storytelling.
Expansion (2021–2023): He released Blessed, I Guess and Half Man, Half Vamp, strengthening his national profile.
CMG Era (2024–2026): Projects including We Are Who We Are and Almost Normal Again further solidified his presence within Southern hip-hop. His final single, Out of Town Bae, was released on February 13, 2026.
Notable Songs
- Purple Hearts
- Love & War
- Eternal Living (featuring Polo G)
- Mind Over Matter
- HAPPY TEARS
- Out of Town Bae
Discography
- Blessed, I Guess (2021)
- Half Man, Half Vamp (2023)
- We Are Who We Are (2024)
- Almost Normal Again (2025)
Awards & Recognition
Although he did not receive major mainstream awards, Lil Poppa built a strong streaming presence and loyal fan base across digital platforms.
Touring & Commercial Success
He performed throughout the United States and accumulated millions of streams across Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Musical Style & Themes
Lil Poppa blended melodic rap with atmospheric trap production. His lyrics explored trauma, loyalty, heartbreak, and personal growth, positioning him within the modern “pain rap” movement.
Collaborations
Notable collaborations include “Eternal Living” featuring Polo G. After joining CMG, he expanded his industry presence through label affiliations and features.
Cultural Influence & Lasting Mark
He contributed significantly to Jacksonville’s evolving rap scene, influencing listeners through emotional authenticity and reflective storytelling.
Following his death in 2026, tributes from fans highlighted his vulnerability and lyrical honesty as defining elements of his legacy.
Relationship, Girlfriend & Children
Lil Poppa was reported to be in a relationship with Toie Roberts, the daughter of rapper Rick Ross.
Children
He had one confirmed child, a son named PJ, born in June 2022.
Physical Measurements
- Height: Around 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
- Weight: Estimated between 65–72 kg (143–158 lbs)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Black
Salary & Net Worth
Entertainment sources estimate his net worth between $1 million and $5 million; no official financial disclosure has been released.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @lilpoppa
- Instagram (alternate): @thatboypoppa
- Twitter (X): @thatboypoppa
- Facebook: LilPoppaMusic
- YouTube: Lil Poppa (Official Artist Channel)
Trivia & Facts
- His birth name is Janarious Mykel Wheeler.
- He is from Jacksonville, Florida.
- He started rapping seriously in his early teens.
- He gained early buzz with emotional street records that focused more on storytelling than club appeal.
- His music is known for blending melodic delivery with raw, personal lyrics.
- He built a strong fan base through mixtapes before gaining wider industry recognition.
- He has spoken about drawing inspiration directly from real-life experiences rather than trends.
FAQs
How old was Lil Poppa?
He was 25 years old at the time of his death.
How tall was Lil Poppa?
He is commonly reported as 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm), though not officially verified.
Q: What was Lil Poppa’s net worth?
Lil Poppa’s estimated net worth was generally reported to be between $1 million and $5 million during his active career.
