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The hip-hop world is in mourning following the unexpected death of rapper Lil Poppa at the age of 25, as confirmed by Georgia authorities yesterday. His passing marks the end of a promising career where he transformed his personal struggles into compelling music.
Who Was Lil Poppa?
Born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, Lil Poppa emerged from Jacksonville, Florida, as a genuine storyteller. From a young age, he was immersed in music, constructing a makeshift studio in his closet by the age of 12, with his family’s encouragement. His rap skills were honed alongside his older brother during church gatherings. His music, particularly tracks like “Purple Hearts,” chronicled his own experiences, including surviving a shooting, which eventually led to deals with Interscope and CMG. Lil Poppa’s unique blend of faith, resilience, and raw honesty set him apart in the rap industry, drawing fans who appreciated his sincerity. As one fan poignantly noted on social media, “Every bar felt real.” His authenticity resonated deeply, leading his mixtapes to achieve millions of streams, solidifying his place as a significant talent in the genre.
Lil Poppa’s Mom Shares Heartfelt Prayers After Loss
Shortly after the news surfaced, Lil Poppa’s mother, listed as Monica Martin on Facebook, shared a heartfelt post mourning her son. In a post shared by Records, she apparently reshared a post that reads, “Lord I need you l no that this is just a test you say you will not put no more on us then we can bear Jesus!!! I need you 24 hours a day i thank you.” In a follow-up post, she added, “May God bless the family,” offering a glimpse into how she’s handling after Lil Poppa’s death.
Career Peaks That Shined Bright
Lil Poppa gained widespread attention with the release of 2018’s “Nightmare on Elm St.” and “Purple Hearts,” securing major record deals by sharing his personal story of survival. Over the years, he released five albums, including the 2025 project Almost Normal Again, featuring popular tracks like “Love & War” and collaborations with artists such as Polo G. Just days before his untimely death, he released “Out of Town Bae.” Despite battling sickle cell disease, he continued to evolve, with his music gaining traction on platforms like Spotify. He became a prominent figure in the Jacksonville music scene, often compared to peers like GloRilla, capturing the city’s essence through his work.
What Caused His Untimely Death?
Lil Poppa passed away on February 18, 2026, at 11:23 a.m. ET in Georgia, with the cause of death still under investigation. While there is speculation that his health issues related to sickle cell anemia or the mental toll reflected in his lyrics might have contributed to his death, there has been no confirmation of suicide. His recent releases suggested a bright future, making his loss even more poignant. As investigations continue, fans and colleagues reflect on his indomitable spirit and contribution to music.
Inside His Buzzworthy Romance
Lil Poppa’s personal life also captured public attention, particularly his relationship with Toie Roberts, the daughter of music mogul Rick Ross. The couple welcomed a son, PJ, in 2022, sharing moments of joy and family life. While Toie pursued her career as the CEO of Ashanti Beauty, their relationship faced challenges, which were sometimes expressed through music. Despite the ups and downs, Toie handled the situation with maturity, echoing themes of love and conflict prevalent in Lil Poppa’s work. Their son PJ, now three years old, remains a connection between them as they navigate co-parenting.
Lil Poppa Fatherhood with Toie
PJ’s June 2022 birth softened Lil Poppa, blending tours with dad life despite health flares. Shower photos captured rare joy; lyrics shifted to protection post-arrival. Toie co-parented post-diss with grace, their son inheriting spotlight. Fans stream for his future, humanizing the tough rapper.