The term "30 poppa" (also spelled "30 popper"), often shortened simply to "30," is street slang referring to any easily concealable handgun equipped with an extended 30-round magazine. This slang originated and became widely popularized in Chicago, Illinois, heavily influenced by the city's Drill music scene—a subgenre of hip-hop characterized by raw lyrics and gritty depictions of street violence. The proliferation of Drill music helped embed terms like "30 poppa" into mainstream usage, frequently appearing in songs that emphasize gang violence and street conflicts.
In Drill music, rappers—many of whom have ties to Chicago gangs—regularly reference firearms in their lyrics, symbolizing both status and protection within the violent urban environment. A "30 poppa" typically refers to weapons such as Glock pistols fitted with 30-round extended magazines, making them both highly effective and easily concealed. Another slang term synonymous with "30 poppa" is "mop," further emphasizing the firearm's capability to swiftly "clean up" or handle confrontations violently.
Numerous Drill artists have popularized the term in their music. In Fredo Santana's song "On That," featuring Chief Keef, he raps, "Got big 30's with big beams, trust me you don't want that," underscoring the lethality and intimidating presence these weapons project. Similarly, Lil Reese highlights the term in Chief Keef's "In This B*tch (Remix)," stating, "I just hit anotha lick – Stained his ass cause he a vic – Hollow tips all in my gun – 30 poppa for the clips," further demonstrating the prevalence of this firearm terminology in Drill music culture. Lil Mister also references it explicitly in his track "Get Banged," rapping, "If you with the opps, you can get banged – A new 40 with a 30, you can get banged," reinforcing the weapon's reputation as a symbol of power and danger within the context of gang rivalries and street violence in Chicago.