The Tragic Loss of Pop Smoke: Remembering a Rising Star of Brooklyn Drill

The hip-hop world was plunged into mourning following the devastating news of Pop Smoke’s untimely passing. A burgeoning talent whose distinctive voice and pioneering sound had captivated millions, the 20-year-old rapper’s life was tragically cut short in a home invasion in Hollywood Hills. This shocking event sent ripples through the music industry and among his devoted fanbase, leaving an undeniable void.

Update: February 21, 2020, 3:45 PM EST: The Los Angeles County Coroner officially ruled Pop Smoke’s death a “homicide” with the cause identified as a “gunshot wound of torso.” This official confirmation solidified the tragic nature of the incident, confirming initial reports that pointed to a violent and premeditated act.

A Life Cut Short: The Hollywood Hills Incident

On Wednesday, February 19, 2020, Bashar Barakah Jackson, widely known as Pop Smoke, reportedly fell victim to a fatal shooting at a residence in Hollywood Hills. According to initial reports from TMZ, the tragic events unfolded around 4:30 AM when two unidentified men allegedly forced their way into the home. These intruders were described as wearing hoodies and masks, obscuring their identities. Eyewitness accounts provided to TMZ indicated that the assailants “fired multiple shots, striking and critically wounding Pop Smoke.”

Following the shooting, Pop Smoke was immediately rushed by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood. Despite the rapid medical response, he was tragically pronounced dead at the hospital. However, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) initially refrained from officially confirming the identity of the deceased, leading to a period of agonizing uncertainty for fans and media alike.

In a statement to HollywoodLife, the LAPD confirmed details surrounding the incident without naming the victim: “It is not confirmed that it was a rapper. A homicide occurred at the 2000 block of Hercules drive. An unknown number of suspects in masks entered the residence and shot the victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital by LAFD and was pronounced dead. It’s unknown if it’s gang-related. Operation West Bureau homicide detectives were notified and should be investigating. There’s a press conference at Hollywood station at 7:30 [PT]. We cannot confirm the name. No suspects are in custody.” This cautious approach by law enforcement underscored the early stages of the investigation, which immediately launched into a search for answers and perpetrators.

Further reports, notably from Heavy.com, suggested that the house where the shooting occurred belonged to Teddi Mellencamp, a prominent figure from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and her husband, Edwin Arroyave. This detail, while widely circulated, was also awaiting independent confirmation by authorities, adding another layer to the unfolding mystery surrounding the incident.

Who Was Pop Smoke? The Man Behind the Music

Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson on July 20, 1999, was a vibrant embodiment of Brooklyn. He hailed from the borough’s Canarsie neighborhood, raised by a Jamaican mother and a Panamanian father. His upbringing in Canarsie deeply influenced his artistry, providing a rich backdrop for his narratives and shaping his perspective. In a 2019 interview with The New York Times, conducted just months after the release of his debut mixtape, Meet The Woo, he painted a vivid picture of his neighborhood:

“You going to see a lot of flossing — a lot of young kids, they look rich. They got cars, designer bags, designer belts, designer sneakers. They get a lot of money over there.” This observation reflected not just the material aspirations but also the hustle and ambition prevalent in his community, elements that would later resonate powerfully through his music.

The Genesis of a Name: Pop Smoke

The distinctive moniker “Pop Smoke” was a clever fusion of childhood nicknames, a testament to his personal journey and street identity. As he revealed to Genius, his grandmother, who was Panamanian, affectionately called him “Papa.” Simultaneously, his online and street persona was “Smoke Oh Guap,” a name he used for his Instagram handle. His friends, wanting a name that blended these two aspects while steering clear of “Papa,” ingeniously combined “Pop” from “Papa” with “Smoke” from “Smoke Oh Guap.” This organic evolution resulted in the iconic name that would soon echo through the global music scene, a name intrinsically linked to his roots and the respect he commanded.

Early Challenges and a Defining Moment

Pop Smoke’s early life was marked by experiences that profoundly influenced his worldview and artistic output. He recounted a pivotal moment at the age of 13, where an incident of being slapped during a sleepover in Brooklyn was filmed and subsequently circulated on social media. Far from being a source of humiliation, this event served as a crucial life lesson for the young Bashar Jackson. “I’m glad it happened as a kid. I realized it’s time to boss up — life ain’t sweet,” he told The New York Times. This moment instilled in him a resolve to command respect and never tolerate disrespect, an “alpha dog” attitude that would become a hallmark of his persona.

His formative years also included run-ins with authority and brushes with the law. Pop Smoke openly spoke about bringing a gun to school, an act that led to his expulsion from the eighth grade. He also revealed that at one point, he had to wear an ankle bracelet as part of a diversion program related to a weapon charge, which was later dismissed. These experiences, rather than deterring him, fueled his artistic drive. He expressed a desire to create music for young people who, like him, navigate complex environments where self-preservation is paramount, yet aspirations for a better future remain. “I do it for them,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to representing those who “got to carry their guns to school because it ain’t safe, but they still got to make sure they get they diploma ’cause they mom could be happy.” This duality of street reality and familial expectation formed a core theme in his work, showcasing his understanding of the struggles faced by his community. His candid admission, “I was literally wilding for respect,” offered a poignant insight into the motivations behind his early actions.

The Rise of a Drill Pioneer: Pop Smoke’s Musical Journey

Remarkably, Pop Smoke’s foray into music began relatively late in his life, particularly given his rapid ascent to fame. He didn’t start creating music until 2018. Prior to this, he was often found in the company of other recording artists, immersing himself in the burgeoning NYC drill and trap scene by remixing popular tracks. This foundational period allowed him to hone his craft, understand the dynamics of the genre, and develop his unique vocal delivery. Ultimately, he decided to lay down his own verses, leading to the creation of his debut mixtape, Meet The Woo, marking his official entry into the music landscape.

Pop Smoke quickly became synonymous with the Brooklyn drill sound, a subgenre characterized by its gritty, menacing beats, often sparse instrumentation, and lyrical themes rooted in street life and ambition. His style was defined by an aggressive yet charismatic delivery, a deep, raspy voice, and distinctive ad-libs that made his tracks instantly recognizable. As The New York Times aptly described it, Pop Smoke made “bad-moods-beget-bad-decisions-beget-bad-consequences music,” reflecting the raw realities he sought to convey. He effortlessly blended an “alpha dog” attitude with an undeniable magnetism, drawing listeners into his world.

The Phenomenal Success of Meet The Woo

The release of Meet The Woo in 2019 was a pivotal moment in Pop Smoke’s career. Its lead single, “Welcome To The Party,” exploded onto the scene, quickly becoming a viral sensation and a definitive anthem of the summer. The track’s infectious energy and Pop Smoke’s commanding presence resonated with a global audience, propelling him into the mainstream. The song’s success was further amplified by high-profile remixes featuring superstar artists like Nicki Minaj and UK grime king Skepta, cementing his international appeal and showcasing his ability to attract collaborations from across the hip-hop spectrum. Beyond “Welcome To The Party,” other tracks such as “Flexin,” “MPR,” and “Dior” continued to build significant buzz, solidifying Pop Smoke’s reputation as an artist to watch and a formidable force in the drill movement.

Meet The Woo 2 and Future Aspirations

Just weeks before his tragic passing, Pop Smoke released his highly anticipated follow-up, Meet The Woo 2, on February 7. This mixtape continued to showcase his signature sound and artistic evolution. Pitchfork, in its review, noted that the album “provides more gritty drill music you can clench your jaw to. It all sort of sounds like ‘Party,’ but it gets over on sheer maximalism like its predecessor did, with just enough deft touches to keep things exciting.” The project was a testament to his consistency and his commitment to developing the drill sound. It solidified his position at the forefront of the genre, demonstrating that his initial success was no fluke.

At the time of his death, Pop Smoke was reportedly deep into the creation of his debut studio album, a project that held immense promise and was eagerly awaited by fans and critics alike. He was also on the cusp of embarking on his very first tour, an opportunity that would have allowed him to connect directly with his rapidly growing fanbase. Furthermore, he was slated to perform at his inaugural festival, the New York premiere of Rolling Loud, an event that would have marked another significant milestone in his blossoming career. These future plans underscore the incredible potential that was tragically extinguished, leaving behind a legacy of what might have been.

A Lasting Legacy

Pop Smoke’s brief but impactful career redefined Brooklyn drill music and left an indelible mark on the global hip-hop scene. His distinctive voice, raw storytelling, and undeniable charisma promised a long and influential career. His music captured the energy and complexities of his environment, resonating with a generation. The tragic loss of such a vibrant and promising artist at the tender age of 20 serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the immense talent that was taken too soon.

Our deepest thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with Pop Smoke’s family, his friends, and his devoted fans during this incredibly difficult time. His music, however, will continue to live on, a testament to the powerful legacy of a true original.