By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – The music world continues to grapple with the devastating loss of Florida rapper Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, who tragically passed away on February 18, 2026. Amidst the outpouring of tributes and condolences, a particularly poignant message has emerged from Toie Roberts, the mother of Lil Poppa’s young son, Kofi J’nar, affectionately known as PJ. Roberts, who is also the eldest daughter of hip-hop mogul Rick Ross, took to her Instagram on Tuesday, March 3, to share a deeply emotional reflection on her pain and the profound impact of Lil Poppa’s sudden departure.
The Instagram post, which featured a collection of cherished photographs capturing joyful moments between Roberts, Lil Poppa, and their son, served as a raw and unfiltered testament to her grief. The images, a stark contrast to the current reality, depicted a family radiating happiness, making the subsequent loss all the more heart-wrenching. Roberts’ words painted a vivid picture of a mother struggling to comprehend a future without the father of her child, a reality that has been irrevocably altered.
"Nothing could EVER describe the pain, the thoughts, the constant heartbreak of it all," Roberts began, her message resonating with a universal ache of loss. "Our reality changing before my eyes. I’ve been wondering how could you be so in a rush to leave us so suddenly & torturing." The raw emotion in her words conveyed the sheer disbelief and agony of a life cut short, leaving behind loved ones to navigate an unimaginable void. The suddenness of Lil Poppa’s passing has left a gaping wound, one that Roberts is still attempting to process.
She continued to articulate the profound difficulty of moving forward, particularly for their son, Kofi. "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. ESPECIALLY NOT KOFI.. at least NOT LIKE THAT!!!" The emphasis on Kofi’s innocent unawareness of the tragedy underscores the depth of Roberts’ concern for her son’s well-being and the immense challenge of explaining such a profound absence. The question, "How tf you leave without saying you’ll see us later?!" speaks to the abrupt and unceremonious nature of his departure, leaving behind a lingering sense of confusion and betrayal. Roberts admitted to feeling "played about it all," a sentiment born from the unexpectedness of the situation, yet she also acknowledged a deeper understanding of Lil Poppa’s own struggles, stating, "but [I] know you understand why."
Despite the overwhelming sorrow, Roberts revealed that she is drawing strength from the enduring memories they created and the unwavering love she holds for their son. These cherished moments serve as a beacon of light in the darkness, offering a semblance of comfort amidst the despair. "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 wrote, expressing a flicker of hope and resilience. The affirmation of divine guidance suggests a reliance on faith to navigate this incredibly difficult period.
Her commitment to their son’s future is palpable. "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!!!" The visual of their son mirroring his father’s likeness serves as a constant reminder of what has been lost, while simultaneously fueling Roberts’ determination to ensure Kofi carries on his father’s legacy. The phrase "4 LIFE" hints at a deep and committed relationship, making the finality of his absence even more poignant.
The struggle to make sense of the tragedy is a recurring theme in Roberts’ message. "I hope [I] find the missing pieces to the puzzle," she confessed. "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!!!" This powerful declaration highlights the dual burden of her grief: mourning the loss of Lil Poppa as a partner and friend, and simultaneously grieving for her son’s profound loss of his father. The prospect of a lifetime of this double sorrow is a heavy weight to bear.
In her concluding remarks, Roberts addressed Lil Poppa directly, offering a final farewell and a wish for peace. "Janarious, [I] got J’nar. You go on & get your rest. [I] hope you found the peace you’ve been looking for," she wrote. This tender address, coupled with the assurance that their son is cared for, offers a sense of closure and enduring love. The hope that he has found peace suggests an awareness of his internal struggles, adding another layer of complexity to the tragedy.
"We’ll be fine. [Thank] you FOR EVERYTHING, from the bottom of my heart. [Blue heart emoji] We love you so much & we’re going to miss you endlessly in this lifetime! [teary-eyed emoji and wing emoji]," she concluded, her message a testament to a love that transcends even death. The heartfelt gratitude for their shared experiences and the profound expression of love and loss resonated deeply with her followers, many of whom offered words of comfort and solidarity.
Lil Poppa’s untimely death was attributed to a single-car accident on February 18 in Georgia. Subsequent investigation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that his death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was 25 years old at the time of his passing, leaving behind a burgeoning music career and a young family. His absence leaves a void not only in the lives of his loved ones but also within the broader hip-hop community, which mourns the loss of a promising artist whose life was tragically cut short. The raw and honest expression of grief from Toie Roberts serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of such tragedies, highlighting the profound impact of loss on families and the enduring power of love.