While everyone usually associates the name Brooklyn with hip-hop, like the NYC borough itself, Pop Smoke , who has taken the world by surprise and created his reputation as a rapper, singer, and songwriter going by his artist name, Pop Smoke. He was a very talented young man who had big influences in an otherwise very conservative musical scene in Brooklyn. He started making music back in 2018, and by 2019 he released two breakout singles ‘Welcome To The Party’ and ‘Dior’. But when the headlines read “Brooklyn New York rapper Pop Smoke Murdered at Home Invasion”, sadness swept the globe. His death shook the hip-hop community to its core and created a dark cloud of sadness in the hearts of millions.
Pop Smoke's untimely death has left the rap community in mourning. His unique style and charisma made him a rising star in the hip hop world, and his loss is felt by many. In the aftermath of his death, tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the music industry. Artists have been sharing their memories of Pop Smoke and paying homage to his legacy. The rap community has come together to celebrate the life of a young man who had so much potential. Pop Smoke will be missed by many, but his memory will live on through his music.
Pop Smoke, born Bashar Jackson, on July 20, 1999 in Brooklyn, New York. His parents, Audrey and Greg Jackson, his father was Panamanian. His mother was Jamaican. Jackson grew up in a two parent household and was taught morals and responsibilities. Trouble seemed to lurk behind Jackson's young life, and at just eight years old he was caught bringing a gun into his school leading into him getting expelled. Jackson spent two years on house arrest and charged with possession of a handgun. While attempting to put the past behind him he relocated with his family to Philadelphia and enrolled in Rocktop Academy. While attending the school he played basketball as a pointer and shooting guard, Jackson enjoyed being on a team and was building a sturdy foundation for his soon to be future. Unfortunately, that came to a hauling stop when trouble struck Jackson’s life yet again. Jackson came against some concerning health issues and was diagnosed with a heart murmur not long after. Jackson could no longer play basketball and was disqualified from Rocktop Academy. It wasn’t long before Jackson turned to the streets, and became accustomed to the lifestyle
In 2018, Jackson attempted for the first time to rap during a visit to a recording studio in Brooklyn. One year later, he released “Flexin”. During that time he met and became good friends with record producer Rico Beats. It didn't take long before he was introduced to record executive Steven Victor. After signing record label VictorVictor and Republic records, Pop Smoke released his breakout hit “Welcome to the Party”, the single recorded many versions including copies Nicki Minaj and one featuring Skepta.
The late rapper, was a formidable force in the rap industry. His unique style and flow caught the attention of many. He quickly rose to fame even though he was only 20 years old at the time of his death. He had already accomplished a lot during his short career. He had a bright future ahead of him and was well on his way to becoming one of the biggest names in the rap industry. Pop Smoke's music was a mix of drill, trap, and R&B. He was known for his distinctive voice and delivery.
A Genius interview says that Pop Smoke's artist name is a combination of "poppa", a name his Panamanian grandma had for him, and "smocco Guwap", a nickname from his childhood friends would call him; Pop Smoke also used it as his old instagram username.
The death of Pop Smoke broke many of Jackson's fans hearts, but without a doubt flipped his parents' lives upside down. His parents shared memories of him before stating how gun violence had taken him away from us .
On February 19th, at four in the morning, a gun was used to take my son away from me. You know him as Pop Smoke and we called him "Shar.” Because of gun violence, I'll never see my son run up the front steps taking them two at a time. He won't ever take my hand again and dance with me; he won't come into my room and muscle pose in the mirror. Gun violence destroys families. It must stop.
Audrey Jackson during a Gun Violence Public Service Announcement.
New York rapper 50 cent was the executive producer for Pop Smoke's posthumous debut studio album Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon. The album was released on July 3, 2020. The idea for the name originated from Pop Smoke before his death and the Shoot For The Stars Foundation began with the goal of helping and inspiring inner city youth.
Website: realpopsmoke.com
Popsmokeforever.Von
Foundation: shoot for stars,aim for the moon
