By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – The music world continues to mourn the untimely loss of Florida rapper Lil Poppa, whose life was tragically cut short on February 18th. Amidst the widespread shock and sorrow, the mother of his son, Toie Roberts, has stepped forward to share her profound grief and the immense void left by his absence. In a deeply personal and emotional message posted on her Instagram, Roberts offered a poignant glimpse into the pain of navigating life without the artist, whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler.
Roberts, who is also the eldest daughter of hip-hop mogul Rick Ross, shared her raw feelings of heartbreak and disbelief. Her message, accompanied by cherished photographs of happier times with Lil Poppa and their three-year-old son, Kofi J’nar (affectionately known as PJ), painted a vivid picture of a family shattered by an unimaginable loss. The rapper, who was only 25 years old, passed away in Georgia following a single-car accident. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed the cause of death as a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
"Nothing could EVER describe the pain, the thoughts, the constant heartbreak of it all," Roberts wrote, her words conveying the depth of her suffering. She spoke of the surreal nature of their reality shifting so drastically, questioning the suddenness of his departure. "I’ve been wondering how could you be so in a rush to leave us so suddenly & torturing." The profound confusion and anguish of facing life without him were palpable in her statement.
The pain of raising their son without his father present was a recurring theme in her message. Roberts expressed her difficulty in understanding how Lil Poppa could leave without a word, leaving them to grapple with the aftermath. "For us to go on without you in life..but deep down, I know you didn’t mean to & you didn’t mean to hurt us," she continued, a sentiment that underscored the love that still existed despite the pain. "ESPECIALLY NOT KOFI.. at least NOT LIKE THAT!!! How tf you leave without saying you’ll see us later?! I really don’t understand & I feel played about it all but I know you understand why."
Despite the overwhelming sorrow, Roberts found a measure of solace in the enduring love they shared and the precious memories of their time together. The love for their son, Kofi, served as a beacon of hope in the darkness. "This wasn’t the plan for US! I don’t believe this is where our story was supposed to end but with the help of God we’ll get through it," she stated, expressing a determination to persevere for their child. The bittersweet reality of watching Kofi grow and develop, mirroring his late father’s likeness and mannerisms, was a constant reminder of what has been lost. "BG gone figure out how to go on without you, PS even though we said 4 LIFE, watching our only son PJ grow up without you in front of my eyes while looking & acting JUST like you!!!"
Roberts articulated the profound impact of Lil Poppa’s death on their son, emphasizing that this loss would never be taken lightly. "I hope I find the missing pieces to the puzzle," she wrote, reflecting the ongoing struggle to comprehend the tragedy. "None of this s**t making sense. MY SON LOST HIS FATHER! I will never take that lightly! So no, I’m not happy to b grieving you & grieving for 2 ppl for the rest of my life!!!"
In a touching farewell, Roberts addressed Lil Poppa directly, assuring him that their son would be cared for. "Janarious, I got J’nar. You go on & get your rest. I hope you found the peace you’ve been looking for," she expressed, a gesture of acceptance and a wish for his eternal peace. She concluded her heartfelt message with gratitude and an enduring declaration of love, acknowledging the positive impact he had on their lives. "We’ll be fine. Thank you FOR EVERYTHING, from the bottom of my heart. We love you so much & we’re going to miss you endlessly in this lifetime!" The inclusion of emojis – a blue heart, a teary-eyed face, and a wing – further amplified the emotional weight of her words, conveying a deep sense of love, loss, and the hope of reunion in the afterlife.
Lil Poppa’s passing marks a significant loss for the hip-hop community. His talent and potential were evident to many, and his absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt. The outpouring of grief from fans and fellow artists alike is a testament to his impact. As Toie Roberts navigates this challenging period, her courage in sharing her pain offers a window into the profound human cost of such tragedies, reminding us of the importance of love, family, and cherishing the moments we have. The memory of Lil Poppa will undoubtedly live on through his music and the love he shared with his son and those who knew him.