Lil Poppa

Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler on March 18, 2000, in Jacksonville, Florida, is a powerful voice in modern Southern hip-hop. Known for his soul-baring lyrics and melodic flow, Poppa brings a rare depth to the genre, often weaving stories of pain, faith, and perseverance into his music. His musical roots trace back to church, where he began writing spiritually inspired rhymes during Sunday school. By the age of 12, he was already recording music at home, driven by a desire to tell his truth through rap.

His breakout moment came in 2017 with the single “Die For Me,” which introduced listeners to his signature blend of raw emotion and street wisdom. He followed it up with standout tracks like “Purple Hearts,” written in memory of two close friends lost to gun violence — a testament to his ability to turn tragedy into powerful, relatable art. Over the years, Poppa has worked with artists like Polo G, Quando Rondo, and Stunna 4 Vegas, and he’s now part of Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG), a label known for nurturing real talent.

What sets Lil Poppa apart is his vulnerability — he raps not just about street life, but about the emotional toll it takes. As a young father to a son born in 2022, his music increasingly reflects themes of responsibility and legacy. With millions of streams and a growing fan base, Lil Poppa continues to carve out a lane all his own — one grounded in truth, pain, and quiet strength.