The funeral for Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa will be open to the public. It will also be available to watch via livestream. This allows fans worldwide to pay respects. The service was scheduled for Saturday, March 7. It took place at Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. The livestream began at 10 a.m. Eastern Time.
Remembering Janarious Mykel Wheeler
Lil Poppa’s real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler. He was born on March 18, 2000. Wheeler grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. His mother gave him the nickname “Poppa”. He later added “Lil”. He began writing music at age seven for his church. By age ten, he was performing raps.
Musical Journey and Rise to Fame
Lil Poppa’s music career began in his youth. He was part of a local rap group called Cutt Circle. In 2018, he gained attention with his song “Purple Hearts”. This track reflected on surviving a shooting. It helped him gain a following.
He signed with Interscope Records in 2019. His debut album, “Blessed, I Guess” (2021), charted on the Billboard 200. He also released other projects like “Under Investigation 2” and “Almost Normal”. In April 2022, he signed with Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG). This was a significant moment in his career. CMG is an imprint of Interscope Records.
Lil Poppa’s music often featured introspective storytelling. He blended melodic hooks with raw honesty. His lyrics explored themes of street life, survival, loyalty, and regret. This style earned him the label “pain rap”. He had a substantial following. At the time of his death, he had nearly one million Instagram followers. He also had over 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
Cause of Death and Tributes
Janarious Wheeler died on February 18, 2026. He was 25 years old. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a suicide by gunshot wound to the head. This occurred after a single-car accident in Georgia.
His passing sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community. Many artists and fans expressed their grief. Tributes came from Meek Mill, Lil Duval, Boosie Badazz, Yo Gotti, and others. Fellow rapper NoCap shared heartfelt sentiments.
Funeral Arrangements and Security
Lil Poppa’s sister, Orieon Wheeler, announced the funeral details. The service was open to the public. This offered a chance for the community to pay their respects. However, security measures were strictly enforced. Attendees could not bring phones, recording devices, or large bags. This was to “honor the sacred nature of the service”.
Personal Life and Legacy
Janarious Mykel Wheeler is survived by his parents and son. He had a son named PJ (also referred to as Kofi J’nar) with his girlfriend, Toie Roberts. Toie Roberts is the daughter of rapper Rick Ross. They reportedly kept their relationship private.
Toie Roberts shared a touching message mourning his loss. She spoke of the pain and heartbreak. She also found solace in their shared memories. Lil Poppa’s music often touched on fatherhood and responsibility.
His death highlights mental health concerns in the music industry. Lil Poppa’s honest lyrics resonated deeply with fans. He is remembered for his storytelling and vulnerability. His career was cut short, but his impact on the music scene endures. The industry lost a promising voice.
Livestream Access
For those unable to attend in person, the funeral was streamed live on Lil Poppa’s YouTube channel. This ensured his music and message could reach an even wider audience. The service began at 10 a.m.. It offered a way for fans globally to connect and mourn. The hip-hop world continues to reflect on his contributions.
