The hip-hop world is in mourning following the untimely death of rapper Lil Poppa at the age of 25, as confirmed by Georgia authorities. His passing marks the loss of a powerful voice that transformed personal struggles into compelling music.

Who Was Lil Poppa?

Born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, Lil Poppa emerged from Jacksonville, Florida, as a genuine storyteller. He earned his nickname during his youth and, by the age of 12, had set up a makeshift studio in his closet, supported by his family. His older brother, also a rapper, helped hone his skills during church cyphers. Songs like “Purple Hearts,” which recounts his survival of a shooting, led to deals with Interscope and CMG. Lil Poppa’s unique blend of faith, adversity, and resilience set him apart in a genre often dominated by ostentation. Fans appreciated his authenticity, with one expressing on social media that “every bar felt real.” This genuine quality propelled his mixtapes to millions of streams, establishing him as a promising talent whose life ended too soon.

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 his 2018 releases “Nightmare on Elm St.” and “Purple Hearts,” leading to major record deals after sharing his harrowing experiences. He went on to release five albums, including 2025’s Almost Normal Again, featuring hits like “Love & War” and collaborations with artists such as Polo G. Just days before his death, he released “Out of Town Bae,” amidst ongoing battles with sickle cell anemia. His music, which resonated deeply with fans, showcases his journey from local sensation to a notable figure under Yo Gotti’s CMG label.

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. There is speculation that his struggles with sickle cell anemia or the emotional toll of violence, often referenced in his lyrics, may have played a role. However, there is no confirmation of suicide, and his recent music indicated a promising future. As investigations continue, fans remember his resilient spirit and the personal battles he overcame.

Inside His Buzzworthy Romance

In his personal life, Lil Poppa shared the spotlight with Toie Roberts, the daughter of Rick Ross. The couple welcomed their son, PJ, in 2022, sharing joyful moments of parenthood. While Toie manages Ashanti Beauty, she also faced public ups and downs with Lil Poppa, particularly in 2023 when diss tracks highlighted their relationship’s challenges. Despite this, Toie responded gracefully, reflecting themes of love and conflict that were prevalent in Lil Poppa’s work. Now three years old, PJ remains a central figure in their intertwined stories amid the complexities of co-parenting.

Lil Poppa Fatherhood with Toie

After the birth of PJ in June 2022, Lil Poppa balanced his career with fatherhood, cherishing moments despite his health issues. The arrival of his son brought a shift in his music, focusing more on protection and family. Toie has continued to co-parent with dignity, while fans continue to support Lil Poppa’s legacy, recognizing the humanity behind his tough exterior.