Pop Smoke

Pop Smoke, stage name Bashar Barakah Jackson, was an American rapper and songwriter born on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York. Pop Smoke was one of the most promising figures in the drill scene, a subgenre of rap that has roots in Chicago but gained great popularity in London and then New York. He was quickly recognized for his raspy, deep voice, heavy beats, and lyrics that explored themes such as the street, luxury, and survival.

Pop Smoke rose to prominence in 2019 with his mixtape Meet the Woo, which included the hit "Welcome to the Party." The song was an immediate hit, not only on the hip-hop charts, but also in the mainstream, making Pop Smoke a recognized name in contemporary rap. His unique style of drilling, with heavy beats and authentic lyrics about his life on the streets, has garnered him a large fan base, particularly in the East Coast rap scene.

In 2020, Pop Smoke released his second mixtape, Meet the Woo 2, which further solidified his position as an emerging rap star. The single "Dior" became one of the biggest hits of his career, and the album generated a huge amount of attention, with guest appearances from artists such as Quavo and Lil Tjay. The mixtape received praise for its raw energy and the way Pop Smoke managed to bring a new sound to the drill while maintaining the authentic style.

Tragically, on February 19, 2020, Pop Smoke was murdered in a robbery at his home in Los Angeles, aged just 20. His death came as a shock to fans and the music industry, interrupting a career that was rapidly ascending. After his death, the posthumous album Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon was released in July 2020, becoming a huge success. The album, which includes tracks such as "What You Know Bout Love" and "For the Night" (featuring Lil Baby and DaBaby), was acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, reaching the top of the Billboard charts.

Pop Smoke left a lasting legacy in music, not only for his distinctive drill style, but also for the way he managed to unite New York rap with influences from other styles and regions. His early death was a great loss for music, but his impact continues to be felt, with a new generation of artists and fans honoring him through his music.

With the posthumous success of Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, and the release of additional music after his death, Pop Smoke remains one of the most influential figures in modern rap, and his legacy as a drill star remains strong in the music scene.