AceShowbiz - Lil Poppa, the late rapper whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler, is at the center of a controversial dispute involving his former manager and the mother of his son. Recent developments have unfolded following a podcast interview that reignited tensions between the parties.

On June 29, 2026, Dee Dee, who managed Lil Poppa, participated in an interview with Big Bank on the Perspektives with Bank podcast, which was released on YouTube. During the interview, Dee Dee spoke about the rapper’s struggles, particularly his mental health challenges. She attributed some of these difficulties to the mother of Lil Poppa's three-year-old son, Kofi J'nar. Dee Dee claimed that Toie Roberts often limited Lil Poppa's access to their child, which contributed to his depression.

In response, Toie Roberts took to Instagram Stories to share a series of heated messages that contained serious accusations against Dee Dee. She alleged that Dee Dee crossed professional boundaries by developing romantic feelings for Lil Poppa and engaging in an inappropriate relationship with him. According to Toie, Dee Dee’s behavior was far from that of a traditional manager, describing her in disparaging terms and insisting that the conflict between them was rooted in personal issues rather than concern for the rapper himself.

Further allegations from Toie included accusations that Dee Dee was stealing money from Lil Poppa. Toie suggested that the rapper’s mental health began to decline after he discovered these financial irregularities. She claimed that Dee Dee is now deflecting blame for his mental state onto her, despite his awareness of the true circumstances. Toie expressed that Lil Poppa knew the difference between her and Dee Dee’s intentions, implying that Dee Dee’s actions were manipulative and damaging.

The situation has drawn significant public attention, with both sides airing grievances in the public eye. Dee Dee’s interview and Toie Roberts’ Instagram responses highlight a complicated dynamic involving professional management, personal relationships, and the tragic mental health struggles of a young artist.

As of now, XXL has reached out to representatives of Lil Poppa for further comment but has yet to receive a response. The podcast interview and Toie Roberts’ Instagram messages remain publicly accessible for those interested in the full scope of the exchange.

This controversy adds to the ongoing discussion about the pressures faced by young artists in the music industry, especially in hip-hop, and the challenges surrounding the roles of those managing their careers and personal lives. It also underscores the tragic circumstances surrounding Lil Poppa, who passed away at the age of 25, leaving behind a young son and a complex legacy.

Fans and observers continue to watch closely as more information emerges, hoping for clarity and resolution that honors the memory of Lil Poppa and supports those affected by his loss. Meanwhile, this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between personal relationships and professional responsibilities in the music world.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Xxlmag.