Bashar Barakah Jackson, professionally known as Pop Smoke, was an emerging force in American hip-hop before his life was tragically cut short. Born on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York, Pop Smoke became a pivotal figure in shaping the Brooklyn drill scene, rising to fame in 2019 with his breakout hits "Welcome to the Party" and "Dior." His unique sound, which blended gritty Brooklyn streets with the minimal, hard-hitting UK drill beats, quickly earned him widespread recognition.
Pop Smoke’s journey to stardom wasn’t typical. Born to a Jamaican mother and a Panamanian father, he spent his childhood in Canarsie, Brooklyn, navigating a tough upbringing that led him down a complicated path. Expelled from school at an early age for bringing a firearm, and later under house arrest, Pop Smoke transitioned from basketball dreams to street life. However, it was music that ultimately gave him a way out, transforming him into a rising star in the hip-hop world.
Introduced to record producer Steven Victor by Rico Beats in 2019, Pop Smoke signed with Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records. His debut mixtape, Meet the Woo, was released in July 2019, establishing him as a force in the drill music movement. His second mixtape, Meet the Woo 2, dropped in February 2020, debuting at number seven on the Billboard 200 and solidifying his growing influence.
Tragically, just 12 days after the release of Meet the Woo 2, Pop Smoke was murdered in a home invasion in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles. On February 19, 2020, intruders broke into the house where he was staying, and following a confrontation, he was shot. He was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at just 20 years old. His death sent shockwaves through the music industry, cutting short the life of one of its most promising talents.
Pop Smoke’s legacy continued with the release of his posthumous debut studio album Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon in July 2020. Executive produced by 50 Cent, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, and all 19 tracks charted on the Billboard Hot 100. Tracks like "For the Night" and "What You Know Bout Love" became international hits, keeping Pop Smoke’s memory alive through his music.
A year later, his second posthumous album, Faith, was released, further cementing his influence on the hip-hop scene. Though Pop Smoke’s life was tragically cut short, his contribution to Brooklyn drill and the global music landscape will continue to inspire future generations of artists.
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