How Did Lil Poppa Die? Here’s All About The Rapper’s Cause Of Death And Career At The Age Of 25

Lil Poppa’s sudden death at the age of 25 has left his fans and the hip-hop community in both shock and disbelief. Janarious Mykel Wheeler, a.k.a Lil Poppa, was a Jacksonville, Florida-based artist who died on February 18, 2025, at the age of 25. In turn, the budding rapper’s sudden death at 25 has left his fans searching for answers. According to TMZ, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia confirmed that Lil Poppa was pronounced dead. The budding rapper lost the battle with life just as his career was beginning to take off, with a show scheduled for March 2026. In turn, it has left everyone asking: How did Lil Poppa die? 

What caused the death of Lil Poppa? 

Until now, the exact cause of Lil Poppa’s death has not been officially revealed. According to TMZ, authorities confirmed his death but did not release any medical explanation or extra information. This absence of clarity has sparked more speculation, and fans are expressing disbelief and grief over the sudden loss of the young rapper. On the other hand, several unverified claims circulated on social media have suggested some possible causes, including suicide.

However, no official confirmation has been provided by police, medical authorities, or his family. Meanwhile, the Hindustan Times also noted that, while speculation continues, there is no verified evidence to support these claims. But in the absence of an answer, some fans have pointed to Lil Poppa’s previously known health condition, sickle cell anemia. The rapper had openly spoken about living with the inherited blood disorder, which can cause severe pain and complications. Sharing about how it is important to keep a check on your loved ones, amid Lil Poppa’s sudden demise, one fan penned: 

“Call your friends. Check up on your loved ones. We won’t stay with our loved ones forever. Life is too short to stop. RIP, Lil Poppa. 

He even discussed his health struggles in interviews and in his documentary, Blessed, I Guess. However, again, there is no confirmation of the same. Meanwhile, in his last social media post, Lil Poppa shared concerning lyrics of a song, Letting It Go and wrote:

“Don’t wanna go to no club, no/ I just wanna chill/You know what happened/ I know what happened/ world never will.”

See the post here.

Who is Lil Poppa’s girlfriend, Toie Roberts? 

Apart from music, Lil Poppa was also a loving partner and father. He was in a relationship with Toie Roberts, the daughter of rap icon, Rick Ross. The couple kept much of their relationship under wraps, but they welcomed their son, PJ, in 2022. Rick Ross publicly celebrated the birth at the time through a social media post. On the other hand, Lil Poppa rarely spoke about it and remained focused on raising his son. 

More about Lil Poppa 

Lil Poppa had built a fan following in hip-hop through his emotional storytelling. According to Billboard, he gained early recognition through independent releases before he signed with Interscope Records. Eventually, he joined Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG). The majority of the music he made was based on his life struggles, which were relatable to fans. Some of his most popular tracks included Love & War, Mind Over Matter, and HAPPY TEARS. 

Rest in peace, Lil Poppa. We send our heartfelt condolences to Lil Poppa’s family in this difficult time. The rapper is now survived by his girlfriend and baby mother, Toie Roberts and his son, PJ. 

Next Read: Who Was Toie Roberts? All About Lil Poppa’s Girlfriend And Baby Momma Amid His Sudden Death At 25