By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Jacksonville, FL – In a profound act of love and resilience, Orie Lynn Hickson, the mother of the late Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa, has officially launched the "More to Life" foundation. This initiative, established to honor her son’s enduring spirit and bring his forward-thinking aspirations to fruition, is dedicated to addressing critical societal needs, with a primary focus on mental health support, fostering economic opportunity, and championing creative expression.
The establishment of More to Life marks a significant step in transforming grief into a powerful force for positive change. Lil Poppa, whose real name was De’aron Fox, tragically passed away in February. His mother’s commitment to his vision underscores a deep understanding of the challenges her son faced and a fervent desire to offer solace and support to others navigating similar struggles. The foundation’s mission statement, shared on its Facebook page, articulates a clear path forward: "[Hickson] is stepping into this work not because she has all the answers, but because she believes deeply in what her son envisioned and is committed to surrounding the Foundation with strong leadership, knowledgeable professionals, community partners and people who share that vision." This collaborative approach highlights a strategic and community-centered methodology for achieving its ambitious goals.
More to Life aims to be more than just a memorial; it aspires to be a catalyst for tangible improvements in the lives of individuals and communities. The foundation’s multifaceted approach recognizes the interconnectedness of well-being, financial stability, and artistic fulfillment. By providing accessible mental health resources, the organization seeks to destigmatize seeking help and offer practical interventions for those experiencing emotional distress. Simultaneously, its focus on economic opportunity aims to empower individuals with the skills and resources necessary for self-sufficiency and upward mobility, recognizing that financial security can significantly impact mental and emotional health. Furthermore, the commitment to creative expression acknowledges the vital role of the arts in healing, communication, and personal growth, offering avenues for individuals to explore their identities and connect with others.
The foundation is actively engaging with the Jacksonville community and beyond to build strong partnerships. A community mixer is slated for next month, intended to formally introduce More to Life’s mission to local nonprofits and community organizations. This event will serve as a crucial platform for collaboration, allowing the foundation to connect with potential allies, share its objectives, and explore synergistic opportunities to maximize its impact. By fostering these relationships, More to Life seeks to create a robust network of support, ensuring that its initiatives reach those most in need and are integrated into existing community structures.
Lil Poppa’s untimely death sent ripples of shock and sorrow through the hip-hop community and his hometown of Jacksonville. His mother’s subsequent confirmation that methamphetamine was present in his system at the time of his passing, coupled with her heartfelt public message, shed a poignant light on the complex battle her son was fighting. Hickson bravely shared that Lil Poppa had been grappling with depression and anxiety, and had resorted to using drugs as a form of self-medication.
"The reports confirmed that methamphetamine was in his system at the time of his passing," Hickson wrote in a deeply personal statement. "As his family, we truly believe the drugs played a major part in what happened." She further elaborated on the devastating impact of substance abuse, stating, "Although he did struggle with depression and anxiety, we know in our hearts that the substances affecting his mind and judgment made an already difficult battle even heavier. The son we knew and loved would never have wanted to leave behind his child, his family, or the people who cared about him so deeply if he had been in the right state of mind."
Her candidness served not as a judgment, but as a stark and necessary truth-telling. "Substance abuse can change a person’s thinking, emotions, and decisions in heartbreaking ways. We are sharing this not to shame him, but to tell the truth and hopefully bring awareness to how dangerous these drugs truly are, especially when someone is already struggling emotionally or mentally," she emphasized, highlighting the devastating intersection of mental health challenges and addiction. Lil Poppa’s death, which occurred following a single-car accident, left a void at the age of 25, a life brimming with potential tragically cut short.
The launch of the More to Life foundation stands as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of a mother’s love and her commitment to turning personal tragedy into a source of hope and healing for others. By addressing critical issues of mental health, economic empowerment, and creative expression, Orie Lynn Hickson is ensuring that her son’s legacy continues to inspire and uplift, creating a lasting impact that extends far beyond his music.
For individuals facing similar struggles, resources are available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling 800-273-8255. Those who prefer to text can send TALK to 741741. Additional support and information can be found at Speakingofsuicide.com. The More to Life foundation, through its dedicated work, aims to contribute to a future where fewer individuals have to face such battles alone.
