Breaking: Jacksonville Rapper Lil Poppa Reportedly Found Dead at 25 — Fans and Industry React

Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa is at the center of fast-spreading online speculation after multiple social-media accounts claimed the 25-year-old artist had died early Wednesday. As of press time, neither his label Collective Music Group (CMG) nor members of his team have issued any statement confirming the reports, leaving the rumors unverified and fans anxiously refreshing their feeds for official word. What sparked the frenzy? A viral Threads post from Jacksonville-based promo page @duvalpromo declared, “The city is mourning following reports that Lil Poppa has passed away.” Within minutes, screenshots flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where supporters demanded clarity and sent prayers. Search queries for “Is Lil Poppa dead?” and “Lil Poppa death rumors” surged overnight, pushing the rapper to the top of trending lists across the United States. The timing of the chatter is striking. Just days earlier, Lil Poppa—born Janarious Mykel Wheeler—dropped his melodic single “Out Of Town Bae,” his first 2026 release and the lead-up to an as-yet-untitled spring project under CMG/Interscope. The record continues the confessional storytelling that powered his breakout Under Investigation mixtape series and racked up more than 600 million cumulative streams since 2018. Industry insiders note that “death hoaxes” often spike when an artist is in album mode, but they can still tarnish campaign momentum if not addressed quickly. For Lil Poppa, whose catalog thrives on authenticity, a false report risks overshadowing his newest music and upcoming tour dates. Who is Lil Poppa? • Age: 25 (born March 18, 2000) • Hometown: Jacksonville’s Westside, Florida • Label: CMG (Yo Gotti) / Interscope, signed in 2022 • Notable tracks: “Love & War,” “A M Flights,” “Missing Something,” “My Favorite Scar” • Signature: soul-tinged melodies layered over gritty street narratives Why fans care Jacksonville’s rap scene has lost several rising voices in recent years, and Poppa’s reflective lyrics often process that very trauma. That history amplifies panic whenever whispers about his safety appear online. Posts mourning him accumulated tens of thousands of likes before sunrise, even as others pleaded, “Stop spreading unconfirmed news.” What happens next 1. Official confirmation or denial: Expect statements from CMG, Interscope, or Poppa’s management soon. 2. Streaming spike: Search interest typically converts to higher plays; “Out Of Town Bae” is already climbing Apple Music’s Hip-Hop chart. 3. Misinformation cleanup: Platforms may label or remove posts deemed deceptive if the rumors prove false. Bottom line At present, Lil Poppa’s reported death remains an unsubstantiated rumor circulating on social media. Until his representatives speak, fans should treat the claims with caution and rely on verified sources for updates. Meanwhile, “Out Of Town Bae” signals that the Jacksonville storyteller is poised for a pivotal 2026—one that will hopefully be defined by new music, not internet hearsay.