Hundreds gathered in Jacksonville to honor late rapper Lil Poppa, as family, friends, and fans paid their respects during a funeral service held at Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church. Some also reportedly journeyed from across the country to witness the rites.
Among the attendees was chef John Cartel, who said he and Lil Poppa go way back. In his conversation with First Coast News, the chef said that he watched the late rapper from when he was still starting out until he became recognized nationally.
“He served his purpose. He touched a lot of people through his music, especially me, like I said I’ve been around him since he was 11 years old.”
He went on:
“I watched him prosper and become what he wanted to be. In Jacksonville, he’s a legend. He’s a legend to us, and he’s a legend around the United States of America.”
John Cartel also shared with the outlet that he prepared meals for Lil Poppa. When asked what the late rapper’s favorite meals were, the chef revealed:
“It would be fried chicken, baked beans, and Caesar salad.”
Lil Poppa: A glimpse into his life and career
Lil Poppa, born Janarious Wheeler, died on Feb. 18 after a fatal gunshot wound to the head. He was 25.
He was found lifeless in the metro Atlanta area. On Feb. 20, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a suicide, a report obtained by NBC.
Lil Poppa began his career sometime between 2017 and 2018, with the notable releases of Life After Desi and Under Investigation.
Throughout his short-lived career, Lil Poppa released songs such as Love & War, Mind Over Matter, and HAPPY TEARS. Some of his other popular tracks include Purple Hearts, Nightmare on Elm St., and Novacane.
As he embarked on his major label arc, having signed with the Collective Music Group (CMG) in April 2022, he unveiled an even more impressive lineup: Blessed, I Guess, Heavy Is the Head, Half Man, Half Vamp, and WEE ARE WHO WE ARE.
Over time, the rapper established a loyal fanbase. His music, according to John Cartel, was proof of the late rapper’s dedication to his craft and his hometown. The chef told First Coast:
“I think ain’t nobody could outwork him. Every time you saw him, he was in the booth, writing, making music, as I said, he put his heartfelt words in his songs, and all made sense. His words helped a lot of people.”
The rapper’s last releases were WHERE U BEEN and Out of Town Bae last January and February, respectively.
On Mar. 7, 2026, he was laid to rest.
Edited by Gladys Altamarino