The tragic death of Lil Poppa, whose real name was Janarious Wheeler, continues to reverberate deeply within his family and among his fans. On March 3, Toie Roberts, the mother of his child and daughter of renowned rapper Rick Ross, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram that also served as a strong admonition to critics.
Roberts affectionately addressed Wheeler by his middle name, stating, “MYKEL… what’s understood don’t ever have to be explained especially to the internet.” In an emotional outpouring, she reflected on the pain of their loss, expressing how their lives changed drastically following his passing on February 18. “Nothing could EVER describe the pain,” she conveyed, lamenting how their reality seemed to collapse before her eyes.
Her message included poignant reflections on their son, stating, “23 what I’m supposed to tell our bayboy?” Roberts emphasized the bond they shared, mentioning how they transformed from young parents into a close-knit family. “What’s the big 3 without you P???” she inquired, highlighting the deep connection between the trio.
Despite facing challenges in their relationship, Roberts underscored that their conflicts were never more significant than the love they shared. “The ‘beef’ was never bigger than what we shared,” she reassured.
Roberts ended her tribute with a spirit of resilience, declaring, “Janarious, I got J’nar. You go on & get your rest… we’ll be fine.” Her Instagram Stories took a more confrontational turn, pushing back against online critics who unjustly blamed her for Wheeler’s death. She harshly criticized those who doubted her, calling their comments “psychotic & insensitive.”
In her final message, paired with a black-and-white photo of Lil Poppa with their son, she expressed her grief, saying, “My baby lost his daddy, protector & bestfriend.” She noted how her son still talks about showing his father a new puppy and asks about homework from “3 damn weeks ago.”
Through her heartfelt messages, Roberts made it clear that Lil Poppa’s legacy is a deeply personal one, and the journey of grief is not for public judgment. This outpouring of love serves as a reminder of the lasting impact one can have on their loved ones, evoking a sense of hope amid sorrow.