Pop Smoke ( Bashar Barakah Jackson ) Would Have Been 26 This Year

 

Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York, was a rising star in the world of hip hop before his life was tragically taken from him.

Known for his deep, gravelly voice and his signature blend of drill music and melodic trap beats, Pop Smoke quickly became one of the most influential figures in modern rap. 

His breakthrough came with the release of his mixtape "Meet the Woo" in 2019, which introduced the world to his distinctive sound. Tracks like "Welcome to the Party" and "Dior" became anthems, with "Dior" being particularly iconic and later becoming a posthumous hit. His style, which melded Brooklyn drill with more mainstream sounds, appealed to a wide audience, helping to push the drill movement beyond its niche and into the mainstream.

Pop Smoke's success was just beginning to reach its peak when, on February 19, 2020, he was tragically shot and killed during a home invasion robbery in Los Angeles. He was only 20 years old. His death shocked the music world, and tributes poured in from fans, fellow artists, and the broader hip-hop community. 

In the aftermath of his passing, Pop Smoke’slegacy lived on through his music, with his posthumous album "Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon" released in July 2020. The album became a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and featuring collaborations with artists like 50 Cent, Lil Baby, and DaBaby. Tracks like "For The Night" and "What You Know Bout Love" showcased his versatility and proved that his impact on the genre would remain for years to come.

Pop Smoke’s influence on hip hop and the drill scene is undeniable. His unique sound, which fused the aggressive rhythms of drill with more melodic and accessible elements, has shaped the trajectory of rap music in the years since his death. Though his career was tragically brief, Pop Smoke's legacy as a trailblazer for New York drill and a symbol of potential lost too soon endures.

Pop Smoke’s music continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists, ensuring that his memory remains an integral part of hip-hop history. Through his artistry, he will never be forgotten. The world misses you - "Woo"