lil poppa uncovers his roots with 1824
With Lil Poppa emerging as a rising artist out of Jacksonville, Florida, he’s quickly made a name for himself. Gaining recent traction for his track "Been Shawty Fine" and a number of other projects, Lil Poppa has built a loyal following with music that’s as emotionally rich as it is easy on the ears. Having been active in the music industry since the age of 14, he’s developed a sound and persona that fans are drawn to—marked by a laid-back demeanour and a striking sense of vulnerability.
We had the chance to sit down with Lil Poppa and get a deeper look into his mindset, process, and inspirations. Here's what he had to share.
On “Been Shawty Fine” and Expressing Emotion
"Been Shawty Fine" stands out as a deeply personal track for Lil Poppa. Growing up, he didn’t often show emotion, so he uses music as a way to push back against that norm. The song draws from personal relationships, and while he hasn’t had many negative experiences, the emotions he channels still heavily shape his songwriting.
He recalled the moment the track came together: he was in a hotel room in Baton Rouge with his engineer since 9 a.m., sifting through beats. When he found one that clicked, he instantly felt a connection and used it as the foundation to craft what would become "Been Shawty Fine."
Music for Every Generation
Lil Poppa first turned to YouTube as a way to release his music, drawn to its accessibility and broad reach. From there, he found that his songs resonated with listeners of all ages—kids, teenagers, even grandparents. This wide appeal comes in part from his roots in the church, where he was immersed in music early on. His melodic undertones reflect that upbringing and help create music that crosses generational lines.
Jacksonville Roots and Musical Versatility
Although he’s proud to be from Jacksonville, Lil Poppa acknowledges that talent from the area is often misunderstood or overlooked. Whether in music, sports, or other avenues, he believes that people can rise above their environment and use it as inspiration. That’s what he strives to do—remain true to himself and his Jacksonville roots, no matter how far his career takes him.
Known for his versatility, he refuses to stay in one lane musically. His newest album—still unreleased at the time of the interview—reflects that, delving into his pain, past trauma, and personal growth. He shares themes of acceptance and accountability, acknowledging that while some things can’t be changed, it’s important to find peace with them. Rather than regret, he expresses appreciation for the journey that shaped who he is today.
Collaborations and Favourite Tracks
One unexpected collaboration that came to life during the album’s creation was with Yungeen Ace—someone Lil Poppa looked up to and had always hoped to work with. When asked about his favourite song on the album, he named "Young MA Speakers", saying it grows on him with every listen and continues to hit differently each time.
Lessons From the Industry
Having been in the music business since he was 14, Lil Poppa is candid about the mistakes he’s made—like signing bad deals early on. Now, he recognises the importance of knowing his worth, setting boundaries, and saying no when necessary. He’s observed the careers of artists like Lil Bow Wow and Yungeen Ace, learning from how they navigated the industry before the dominance of social media. Applying those lessons has played a huge part in shaping his path.
Music as Healing and Inspiration
Lil Poppa's music is closely tied to his life experiences. He hopes listeners can find a sense of connection and healing in his songs, just as he does while making them. Music, for him, is a more effective outlet than conversations or writing—it's how he processes and expresses what he’s going through.
When he needs creative inspiration, he turns to a variety of sources: from TV shows like The Wire to movies like Juice, Hustle & Flow, Like Mike, and John Wick. He’s drawn to the energy of the ’90s era, and these influences often fuel his sound.
He’s especially proud that his music has helped listeners avoid turning to negative outlets during tough times. Creating music has always been therapeutic for him, and he hopes it continues to be the same for others.
The Role of Social Media and Studio Magic
Social media has been instrumental in growing Lil Poppa’s audience, giving fans a way to feel connected to both his music and his personality. That sense of relatability has helped his work reach even wider audiences.
These days, his recording style has evolved to primarily “punching in”—freestyling or speaking whatever comes to mind over a beat, capturing raw thoughts in real time. Much of the magic comes from his long-time engineer, EJ, who plays a crucial role in bringing Lil Poppa’s vocals to life in every studio session.
