ATLANTA — Rapper Lil Poppa, known for his raw storytelling in tracks like “Love & War” and “Purple Hearts,” has died at the age of 25, according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia. The office confirmed in a statement on Wednesday, February 18, that the musician was pronounced dead earlier that morning. A cause of death has not been disclosed and remains under investigation, the medical examiner told News4JAX.
The sudden passing of the Jacksonville, Florida native has sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community and among his devoted fanbase. Lil Poppa, whose real name is Janarious Mykel Jones, rose to prominence with music that drew from his personal struggles, including surviving a drive-by shooting that inspired his breakout single “Purple Hearts” in 2018. That track went viral, propelling him from local talent to a signed artist with Interscope Records.
Caroline “Baroline” Diaz, CEO of Great Day Records and an early collaborator with Lil Poppa, shared her grief on social media shortly after the news broke. “My little brother is gone,” Diaz wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday. “Poppa I love you so much. I am so broken. One of the first artists I had at Interscope. A&R’ed 4 of his projects. I’m so sad right now.” Diaz’s post highlighted the close professional bond they shared during the initial phases of his career.
Fans took to social media to express their disbelief and sorrow. One follower posted, “Poppa tell me it ain’t true,” while another lamented, “You ain’t leave me like this 😔 ain’t NO WAY.” The outpouring of tributes underscores the deep connection Lil Poppa forged with his audience through lyrics that often delved into vulnerability and resilience.
Lil Poppa’s journey in music began young; he started rapping at age 7 in his hometown of Jacksonville. By 2018, following the success of “Purple Hearts,” he released his debut album, Under Investigation, which captured the intensity of his life experiences. That same year, he inked a deal with Interscope Records, a major label that helped amplify his voice in the rap scene.
In 2022, Lil Poppa joined Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG), further solidifying his place in the industry. He followed up with a string of releases, including the albums Blessed, I Guess, Half Man Half Vamp, Hold That Thought, and Almost Normal Again. His catalog also featured standout singles like “Mind Over Matter” and “HAPPY TEARS,” which resonated with listeners facing their own hardships.
The rapper frequently spoke about the impact his music had on others. In a 2021 interview with Audiomack, Lil Poppa reflected on fan feedback: “A lot of people tell me I got them through their toughest times. People say I got them through certain situations, or I stopped them from doing this or doing that. That means a lot.” He elaborated on the responsibility that came with such influence, saying, “That makes me realize I got the power to change someone’s outlook on a certain situation. So I need to be mature enough to handle my own situations in a mature way.”
We go through so much on a daily basis. So we might feel like we’re at our worst, but we don’t even realize how much of a blessing some situations are. Not everyone believes in the idea that everything happens for a reason. But even when we’re feeling like we’re the most cursed at times, we really can’t complain. Ain’t nothing to complain about, because it could be worse.
This quote, from the same Audiomack conversation, captured Lil Poppa’s philosophy of turning adversity into art. He wasn’t afraid to bare his soul in his tracks, a trait that set him apart in a genre often dominated by bravado.
Just weeks before his death, Lil Poppa remained active in his craft. On Friday, February 13, he released the official music video for his new single, “Out Of Town Bae.” He promoted it enthusiastically on Instagram, writing, “Out Of Town Bae Official Video out now❤️🔥,” alongside a snippet from the video. The track showcased his signature blend of melody and introspection, continuing the momentum from his recent projects.
Lil Poppa had been on tour throughout the past year, building his live performance reputation. He was looking ahead to a major milestone, announcing in January via Instagram plans for a Birthday Bash concert in New Orleans. “This Year I’m Having My Birthday Bash Concert in New Orleans at @thefillmorenola,” he posted. “Come Celebrate With Me. Tickets On Sale Now! Link in bio❤️🔥.” The event, scheduled for next month at The Fillmore New Orleans, now hangs in uncertainty following his passing.
The circumstances of Lil Poppa’s death echo a troubling pattern in the rap world, where young artists have faced untimely ends amid rising violence. Recent reports have noted similar tragedies, such as the death of rapper Young Scooter on his 39th birthday and Julio Foolio at age 26 following a shooting. While no details link these incidents, they highlight the perils navigated by artists from similar backgrounds.
Us Weekly has reached out to Lil Poppa’s representatives and the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office for further comment, but no additional information was immediately available. As the investigation continues, authorities in Georgia are working to determine the exact cause, with the rapper’s body reportedly found in Fulton County.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Lil Poppa’s music often reflected the gritty realities of street life, survival, and emotional growth. His survival of the 2018 drive-by shooting not only inspired “Purple Hearts” but also became a cornerstone of his narrative, earning him respect for authenticity in an industry rife with personas.
Industry insiders and fans alike remember Lil Poppa for his potential cut short. Diaz’s tribute speaks to the personal loss felt by those who knew him professionally, while his 2021 reflections reveal a maturing artist aware of his role as an inspiration. As tributes continue to pour in, the hip-hop community grapples with yet another profound loss.
Looking ahead, Lil Poppa’s legacy seems poised to endure through his discography. Streams of his hits are likely to surge in the coming days, introducing his story to new listeners. Meanwhile, the Birthday Bash event and any planned releases may be postponed or reimagined as memorials. For now, the focus remains on honoring a voice that helped so many navigate their darkest moments.
The outpouring of support on social media platforms like X and Instagram illustrates the breadth of Lil Poppa’s reach. From Jacksonville streets to global stages, his music bridged personal pain with universal themes of perseverance. As the investigation unfolds, questions linger about the circumstances, but his contributions to rap remain undisputed.