The hip-hop community is mourning the sudden loss of Lil Poppa, the 25-year-old Jacksonville, Florida artist known for his emotional storytelling and heartfelt lyrics. Signed to Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group, he built a loyal following with songs like “Love & War,” “Mind Over Matter,” and “HAPPY TEARS.” In August 2025, he released his 16-track album Almost Normal Again, and just days before his passing, he dropped a new single titled “Out of Town Bae.” With an upcoming performance scheduled in New Orleans, the rising star appeared to be entering a powerful new chapter in his career when the news of his death on February 18, 2026, left fans stunned. According to reports, he was pronounced dead at 11:23 a.m. ET in Georgia, though the cause of death has not been publicly released.

In the hours that followed, his mother shared an emotional message on social media, leaning on faith during her unimaginable grief and asking for prayers for the family. Adding to the heartbreak, the rapper had posted what became his final Instagram Story just hours earlier — a quiet nighttime driving clip that gave no sign of distress. Now, supporters are holding tightly to his music and memories as they process the loss of an artist whose journey felt far from finished. He leaves behind a young son, born in 2022, and a legacy that resonated deeply with listeners who found comfort in his honesty and vulnerability.