Though Jacksonville MC Lil Poppa has been one of the most consistent voices in Southern rap since he emerged in 2017, he felt the need for a refresher on the opener to his 2024 album WEE ARE WHO WE ARE. The emotional intro, “Reintroduction,” finds the rapper reflecting on being a father—“I do this shit for my lil’ boy, he deserves everythin’”—and his mortality as an MC. He puts himself in lofty company, spitting, “Pac died at 25, Biggie died at 24/And it made me nervous/I just turned the same age a couple of days ago.” It’s this blend of anxiety and charisma that informs WEE ARE WHO WE ARE, which showcases Poppa as a young dad, clearly feeling his success but wary of all the distractions that come with wins in the rap game. Poppa stays true to his Southern roots on the project, recruiting Louisiana legends Boosie Badazz and Webbie for “Untamed,” a cut that finds the young MC going bar for bar with two of rap’s sturdiest lyricists. Despite the sterling guest features and momentary breaks of relaxation, Poppa infuses WEE ARE WHO WE ARE with the stressors of being a new papa and star in the spotlight. On “Stop Grieving,” he hopes things will get better but knows such aspirations are a long shot. “Feel like I’m all out of breath/Runnin’ from problems/Dealin’ with pain/Thinkin’ a dollar can solve it/This shit ain’t the same,” he raps.