Who Was Toie Roberts? Inside Lil Poppa’s Relationship and Family Life After His Death at 25

The hip-hop community is mourning the sudden death of rising rapper Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, who passed away on February 18, 2026, at the age of 25. The Jacksonville native was pronounced dead at 11:23 a.m. ET, according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia, as reported by TMZ.

As tributes continue to pour in for the young artist, public attention has increasingly turned to his personal life — particularly his relationship with his girlfriend and the mother of his child, Toie Roberts.

Who Is Toie Roberts?

According to reports by Hindustan Times, Lil Poppa was in a relationship with Toie Roberts, the daughter of rap mogul Rick Ross. Though the couple largely kept their romance private, they were believed to have been together for several years before welcoming their son.

Born in March 2002, Toie Roberts has built her own path as an entrepreneur. As noted by Miami Living Magazine, she serves as the CEO of Ashanti Beauty. Despite being part of a high-profile family, Roberts maintained a relatively low-key presence when it came to her relationship with Lil Poppa.

Their Relationship and Family Life

Lil Poppa and Toie Roberts publicly confirmed their relationship in 2022 when they welcomed their son, PJ. Rick Ross announced the birth of his grandson on social media and referred to himself as “Gucci grandpa” in a celebratory post.

Following the birth of their child, Lil Poppa became even more protective of his private life. He rarely discussed his relationship in interviews, choosing instead to focus on his music career. There were no confirmed reports of a breakup, and it is widely believed that the couple remained together until his passing.

Fatherhood appeared to mark a significant turning point for the rapper. Known for his emotionally driven lyrics, fans observed a deeper sense of maturity in his public image after becoming a parent. Reports cited by TMZ indicated that Lil Poppa and Toie were committed to raising their son while managing their respective careers.

Roberts, meanwhile, continued to establish her own professional identity. Beyond her father’s legacy, she expanded her business ventures and cultivated a growing social media presence, reflecting her independence and entrepreneurial ambition.

Cause of Death Remains Unclear

Lil Poppa’s unexpected passing has left fans and family searching for answers. While authorities confirmed his death, no official cause has been released.

Some supporters speculated about the rapper’s previously disclosed health struggles, including sickle cell anemia, which he had openly discussed in the past. However, officials have not confirmed whether any medical condition contributed to his death.

The tragedy comes at a time when Lil Poppa’s career appeared to be on an upward trajectory. He was reportedly scheduled to perform in New Orleans in March 2026, underscoring the momentum he had built in recent years.

A Rising Star in Hip-Hop

Lil Poppa gained recognition for his raw storytelling and authentic voice within hip-hop. He first rose to prominence through independent releases before signing with Interscope Records. According to Billboard, he later became affiliated with Collective Music Group (CMG), founded by Yo Gotti.

Among his most popular tracks were “Love & War,” “Mind Over Matter,” and “Purple Hearts.” His 2025 album Almost Normal Again further showcased his artistic growth and emotional depth, resonating strongly with a loyal fan base that connected to his real-life experiences and candid lyricism.

Lil Poppa was widely regarded as one of the promising voices of his generation. His sudden death has left a profound void not only in the music industry but also in the lives of his loved ones — including Toie Roberts and their young son.