The death of Lil Poppa, born Janarious Wheeler, continues to reverberate through his family, and fanbase. On March 3, Toie Roberts – mother to his child and daughter of Rick Ross – publicly shared a deeply personal and pointed message addressing both her grief and criticism following his passing.
A Public Lament
Roberts initially addressed Wheeler by his middle name, “MYKEL…what’s understood don’t ever have to explained especially to the internet.” Her message, posted to Instagram on February 18, described a profound pain and a sense of disbelief, questioning why he seemed “in a rush to depart us,” although too acknowledging a belief that his death was not intentional.
Much of Roberts’ grief centered on their three-year-old son, Kofi J’nar. She questioned how to explain the loss to him, writing, “ESPECIALLY NOT KOFI…23 what I’m supposed to tell our bayboy?” Despite acknowledging past “beef” with Wheeler, Roberts emphasized that their shared connection was always paramount.
Roberts’ Instagram Stories took a more confrontational tone, responding to online critics who blamed her for Wheeler’s death. She dismissed them as “psychotic & insensitive,” and referenced a 2023 diss track, stating Wheeler had apologized immediately after its release, and that they had moved past the issue.
In a final post, Roberts shared a photo of Lil Poppa with their son, expressing her heartbreak over the loss of a “daddy, protector & bestfriend.” She noted their son’s continued longing for his father, mentioning his desire to reveal him a fresh puppy and reminiscing about recent homework assist.
Throughout her posts, Roberts asserted the importance of protecting Lil Poppa’s legacy and maintaining the privacy of her grief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Lil Poppa’s birth name?
Lil Poppa was born Janarious Mykel Wheeler.
Who is Toie Roberts’ father?
Toie Roberts’ father is Rick Ross.
What did Toie Roberts say about critics?
Toie Roberts called those who blamed her for Lil Poppa’s death “psychotic & insensitive” and stated, “Y’ALL DON’T KNOW SHIT.”
How will Lil Poppa’s son cope with this loss, and what support systems will be available to him as he grows up without his father?
