When American rapper Lil Poppa died aged 25 on February 18, 2026, tributes poured in from across the hip-hop world. Fans returned to his emotionally raw music, which amassed more than 247 million Spotify streams, while the industry reflected on a career built on vulnerability, survival and truth. Beyond the charts and recognition, Lil Poppa left behind something far more personal—a young son and the woman who raised him, Toie Roberts.
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Lil Poppy’s death also brought renewed attention to his relationship with Roberts, the daughter of rap mogul Rick Ross. Their story never unfolded through formal announcements or red carpet appearances. Instead, it played out through music, social media views, and moments that quietly shaped hip-hop’s modern family story.
A Public Figure In Her Own Right
Born on March 17, 2002, Toie Roberts grew up in Florida amidst fame and scrutiny. As the eldest daughter of Rick Ross and child of Lastonia Leviston, she was no stranger to the public eye long before her relationship with Lil Poppa took center stage. Still, Roberts consistently places herself outside the celebrity line, Hindustan Times reported.
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She runs Ashanti Beauty, an e-commerce beauty brand, and Four Two, a clothing brand, while building a significant online following focused more on lifestyle and business than gossip. By the time her personal life became headline material, Roberts was already established as a young business owner who had made a name for herself on her own terms.
Lil Poppy and Toie Roberts Relationship
The clearest public confirmation of their relationship came in 2022, when Lil Poppa appeared alongside Roberts in a maternity photo shoot that quickly spread across music and pop culture platforms. Their son, Kofi J’nar, was born on June 24, 2022.
Roberts later shared that the name “Kofi” reflected the Akan tradition of naming boys born on Fridays — a nod to his African heritage that resonated with fans. Rick Ross publicly confirmed the birth and celebrated the moment as his entry into grandfatherhood, a rare flash of personal emotion from the usually guarded star.
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However, the relationship was not without tension. By 2023, tensions had surfaced publicly, including lyrical references in Lil Poppy’s music that hinted at personal conflict. Roberts responded directly on social media, addressing the speculation while focusing on motherhood and her business. Despite intense online commentary, she avoided letting the fallout define her public identity.
A Child in the Middle of Two Legacies
Kofi J’nar turned three in June 2025. Following Lil Poppy’s death on Tuesday, he will be growing up without his father — a reality that added emotional weight to the rapper’s death.
Lil Poppa has often spoken of fatherhood as a source of motivation, citing his son in interviews and online posts as the reason he continues to be creative. Today, Kofi remains the most intimate part of his legacy, connecting two big names in American hip-hop through family rather than business.
An unusual hip-hop fusion
Lil Poppa is signed to Yo Gotti’s CMG label, while Rick Ross runs the Maybach Music Group—separate empires within the same industry. Although never collaborators in the traditional sense, the two bonded through Roberts and her son. Ross visited Kofi’s baby and publicly embraced his role as a grandfather, emphasizing how personal bonds can transcend professional rivalries.
At the time of his death, Lil Poppa had released new music, was working on other projects, and had live shows scheduled. This dynamic has now shifted to memory.
For Roberts, the focus remains on raising her son — a living continuation of a story that now belongs in hip-hop history.