Hundreds of people gathered in Jacksonville on Saturday to say a final goodbye to hometown rapper Lil Poppa.
Family, friends, and fans lined the streets outside Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, with some traveling from across the country to pay their respects.
Jacksonville chef John Cartel says his connection to the rapper goes back years.
“He served his purpose,” said Cartel. “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.”
Cartel told First Coast News he has known Lil Poppa since he was a child and watched his journey from a young artist to a nationally recognized rapper.
“I watched him prosper and become what he wanted to be,” Cartel said. “In Jacksonville, he’s a legend. He’s a legend to us and he’s a legend around the United States of America.”
Lil Poppa, born Janarious Wheeler, died in Georgia on Feb. 18. He was 25 years old.
According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, the rapper died from a gunshot wound to the head. His death was ruled a suicide.
Cartel said he cooked for the rapper for years, preparing some of his favorite meals.
“It would be fried chicken, baked beans, and Caesar salad,” Cartel said.
Over the years, Lil Poppa built a loyal fanbase with music that many listeners say helped them through difficult moments. Cartel said the rapper was deeply dedicated to both his craft and his city.
“I think ain’t nobody could outwork him,” said Cartel. “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.”
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