Alwyn Fitz Michael Blair's Obituary
Alwyn Fitz Michael Blair, affectionately known to his family as “Mikey” and widely known as “Pop Shine,” was born on October 28, 1987, at Jamaica Queens Hospital in Queens, New York, to Joy Anita Batiste and Alwyn Fitz Gerald Blair. At the time of his birth, his Godmother, Samantha, was present and lovingly assisted, marking the beginning of a life surrounded by care, protection, and strong familial bonds.
In his earliest years, Mikey lived with his mother, father, and siblings, including Ariel and Evian. During this time, he was also lovingly cared for by his father’s uncles, Uncle Sean and Uncle Warren, who played an active role in his upbringing. In South Side Jamaica, Queens, they ensured he was taken to school, prepared meals for him, and instilled early life lessons rooted in responsibility, respect, and perseverance. Their guidance provided stability and structure during his formative years.
He lived with his mother and siblings until her passing—a profound loss that deeply shaped his life. Following her death, he lived with his stepmother Lisa, with whom his father shared two sons, Timothy Blair and Anthony Blair, whom Mikey embraced as brothers.
He later traveled to Guyana to live with his father, where he developed a deep connection to his cultural roots and extended family. His father, an avid cook at Sybil’s Guyanese Restaurant, passed down not only culinary skills but also pride, discipline, and love for tradition. Life in Guyana included both love and hardship, strengthening his independence, resilience, and survival instincts.
After his father’s passing from pneumonia, Mikey returned to the United States at age 13 and lived in New Jersey with his aunt Grace, his father’s sister, and his sister Anisa Blair. He also spent time with his stepmother Bernadette Taylor, Anisa’s mother, through whom he gained brothers Kerwyne Taylor, Ashley Taylor, and Travis Taylor. Much of his adolescence unfolded in East Orange, New Jersey, where family bonds and life lessons intertwined.
From ages 13 to 17, he navigated adolescence in East Orange, where the streets shaped his awareness and strength. Known as “Pop Shine,” he became respected for his profound lyrical insight—his ability to rhyme with reason, speak truth, and bring unity through words. He carried a soldier’s spirit: protective, loyal, passionate, and known as a peacemaker who always sought understanding and saw the good in people.
Around the age of 11 or 12, he formed a lifelong brotherhood with Anthony Taylor “Rage,” a bond that endured through adolescence and adulthood. Music became a defining force in his life. He was a profound lyricist, rapper, and artist, the founder of ReallyDoe Entertainment, releasing music on Spotify and videos on YouTube that touched thousands. His work spoke honestly about grind, survival, standing one’s ground, celebration, connection, and growth.
He collaborated with and ghostwrote for artists including Tax G, Tsu Surf, Ram G, Gotti, and J5, and performed live in Norfolk, Virginia. His words resonated because they were lived, not imagined.
He graduated from Jackson High School and pursued coursework in Sociology, driven by curiosity and a desire to understand people. He worked in the food industry at ShopRite and Boston Market, and cooking remained one of his greatest passions. He mastered authentic Southern, Guyanese, and Jamaican cuisine, cooking as an expression of love and care.
In his mid to late twenties, Mikey lived in New York with his sister Ariel and her family. During this time, he was introduced to Shane McLaren, the father of Joy and Ava McLaren, who became a meaningful father figure and mentor. He worked with McLaren Enterprise as a helper, gaining early exposure to commercial trucking and learning the value of discipline, structure, and consistency.
In 2021, he moved from New Jersey to Sterling, Virginia, with his significant other of 13 years, Chardae Turner, and their daughter Queen, committed to building a stable future. He completed CDL training at Northern Virginia Community College, obtained his Commercial Driver’s License in 2023, and began his professional trucking career with Titan America Concrete Mixing, where he worked faithfully through October 2025. He later continued his CDL journey with Amrize Concrete, remaining dedicated to his craft and safety on the road.
Mikey shared a lifelong bond with his best friend and brother in spirit, Kareem Coleman, affectionately known as “Remo.” Their friendship began when Mikey was just 12 years old and grew into a deep, unwavering brotherhood rooted in loyalty, laughter, and love. Together, they created music, shared countless memories, and supported one another through every season of life. Remo was chosen as a Godfather to Mikey’s children, while Mikey was honored to be the Godfather of Remo’s daughter—symbolizing a bond that extended far beyond friendship into family. Mikey also played a meaningful role in the lives of Remo’s children, offering guidance, support, and influence that will forever be remembered and cherished.
Above all, Mikey was a devoted father to Alia Blair (1), Dawson Blair (3), Queen Blair (6), and his beloved stepson King Mathews, affectionately known as “Kay Kay.” He shared 13 years of partnership, love, and family with Chardae Turner, the mother of his children.
Mikey also leaves behind extended family who played meaningful roles in his life, including his Great-aunt Reeda Grinnard of Westbury, NY; his late Great-Uncle Charles Grinnard; and cousins Kimberly Grinnard and Desmond Grinnard, who provided love, guidance, and support to him and his siblings.
He is survived by his siblings Ariel Batiste, Javion Batiste, Evian Batiste, Timothy Blair, Anisa Blair, Roseina Britton, Anthony Blair, Kerwyne Taylor, Ashley Taylor, and Travis Taylor; and his nieces and nephews Joy McLaren, Ava McLaren, London Batiste, Christanna Inez Batiste, Christiege Javionah Aurora Batiste, Rasheens Liles, Bryan Blair Whittaker, Iyannaah Whittaker, and Tyasia McNeill. He also leaves behind his best friend and Godfathers of his children, Anthony Taylor “Rage” & Kareem Coleman aka " Remo" as well as his beloved best friend Giovanna Lynn Fultz, and countless friends, collaborators, and community members whose lives he touched.
Alwyn lived a life of creativity, resilience, and loyalty. He will be remembered as a father, brother, friend, mentor, peacemaker, artist, chef, and provider, whose presence left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Though he has departed this life, his music, legacy, and the love he shared with family and friends endure, carried forward in memory and spirit.
“His voice lives on through his music, his spirit through his children, and his legacy through the love and respect he earned. Though he has transitioned from this life, his story continues—spoken, remembered, and carried forward by all who truly knew him.”
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