The sudden death of Lil Poppa on 18 February 2026 at just 25 years old sent shockwaves through the hip-hop world. Known for his emotionally honest lyrics and storytelling rooted in survival and struggle, the rapper had built a loyal global audience, amassing hundreds of millions of streams. As fans mourned the loss of a rising voice in rap, attention gradually shifted toward the life he left behind — particularly his young son and the child’s mother, Toie Roberts.
Lil Poppa’s passing was not only the end of a promising career. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for Roberts, a woman who had long lived under public scrutiny yet consistently chosen a quieter, more self-defined path.
Early Life and Background
Toie Roberts was born on 17 March 2002 in Florida. She is the eldest daughter of Rick Ross and Lastonia Leviston. Growing up as the child of one of hip-hop’s most influential figures meant early exposure to fame, media attention, and public judgment. However, Roberts rarely leaned into celebrity culture for relevance.
From a young age, she appeared determined to separate her identity from her father’s towering public persona. Rather than positioning herself as a celebrity offspring, she focused on building a personal brand grounded in independence and entrepreneurship.
A Public Figure Beyond Lineage
Long before her relationship with Lil Poppa became a topic of public conversation, Roberts had already established herself as a young entrepreneur. She founded Ashanti Beauty, an e-commerce beauty brand, and later launched Four Two, a lifestyle-focused clothing label. Her social media presence reflected business ambition, self-growth, and motherhood rather than controversy.
This deliberate positioning helped her retain control over her narrative. Even as headlines increasingly framed her through the lens of high-profile relationships, Roberts continued to project an image rooted in work, responsibility, and long-term vision.
The Relationship With Lil Poppa
Roberts and Lil Poppa never staged their relationship for public validation. There were no red-carpet debuts or formal announcements. Instead, their story unfolded organically through music references, brief social media moments, and one defining event — a maternity photoshoot in 2022 that confirmed their partnership.
Their son, Kofi J’nar, was born on 24 June 2022. The name carried cultural meaning, rooted in the Akan tradition of naming boys born on a Friday, reflecting a shared respect for heritage and identity. Rick Ross later publicly acknowledged the birth, embracing his role as a grandfather and offering a rare glimpse into his private family life.
Strain, Separation, and Public Scrutiny
Like many modern relationships lived partly online, Roberts and Lil Poppa’s bond faced pressure. By 2023, subtle tensions surfaced. Lil Poppa referenced personal struggles in his music, while Roberts addressed speculation directly through social media, choosing clarity over silence.
Despite online commentary and fan-driven narratives, she avoided public conflict. Her responses consistently redirected attention toward motherhood and business, reinforcing her refusal to be defined by relationship turmoil.
Motherhood at the Centre of Two Legacies
Kofi J’nar turned three in June 2025. Following Lil Poppa’s death, he now stands as the most intimate part of the rapper’s legacy. Lil Poppa often described fatherhood as a driving force behind his creativity, mentioning his son as motivation to grow, heal, and succeed.
For Roberts, motherhood has become both responsibility and purpose. She now carries the weight of raising a child connected to two major hip-hop lineages, while shielding him from the pressures that come with that reality.
An Unusual Hip-Hop Connection
Lil Poppa was signed to Yo Gotti’s CMG label, while Rick Ross leads the Maybach Music Group. Professionally, these represent separate empires within the same industry. Personally, they became connected through family.
Rick Ross’s presence at Kofi’s baby shower and his public acknowledgment of his grandson highlighted how personal relationships can transcend business boundaries in hip-hop. This connection was never about collaboration or rivalry. It was about family.
Life After Loss
At the time of his death, Lil Poppa was actively releasing music, planning new projects, and preparing for live performances. That momentum has now transformed into remembrance.
For Toie Roberts, the future is defined less by headlines and more by responsibility. Her focus remains on raising her son, expanding her businesses, and preserving a legacy rooted not just in music, but in humanity.
A Quiet Strength
Toie Roberts’s story is not one of sudden fame. It is a story of resilience, restraint, and intentional living under extraordinary circumstances. As the world reflects on Lil Poppa’s unfinished journey, Roberts stands as the guardian of what matters most — the living continuation of his life beyond music.
