Rise to Fame
Pop Smoke’s rise to fame was swift and undeniable. His debut mixtape “Meet the Woo” was a huge success, garnering critical acclaim and establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. The mixtape was a perfect introduction to Pop Smoke’s unique sound, which blended elements of drill and trap music with a distinctive New York City flair. The hits “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior” were massive hits, and helped to solidify Pop Smoke’s place in the rap scene.
Pop Smoke followed up the success of “Meet the Woo” with the release of his second mixtape, “Meet the Woo 2,” in 2020. The mixtape was an even bigger success, debuting at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart and earning praise from critics and fans alike. “Meet the Woo 2” cemented Pop Smoke’s place as one of the most exciting and innovative new voices in rap music.
Unique Sound and Influence
Pop Smoke’s unique blend of drill and trap music with a New York City flair was truly one-of-a-kind. He had a talent for blending these different elements together in a way that was both fresh and authentic. His music was heavily influenced by the sounds of Brooklyn, and it was clear that he had a deep respect and understanding of the city’s rich musical history. Pop Smoke’s music was raw and real, and it spoke to a generation of young people who felt like they had been left behind by mainstream music.
Tragic End of a Rising Star
Pop Smoke, the rising Brooklyn-born rapper, had the world at his feet when tragedy struck on February 19, 2020. The young artist was brutally murdered in a home invasion at a rental home in the Hollywood Hills, leaving fans and the music industry in shock.
Flaunting of Wealth on Social Media
As details emerged about the circumstances surrounding his death, it was revealed that Pop Smoke had been flaunting his wealth on social media, posting photos of stacks of cash, luxury cars, and designer goods. Fans and web sleuths pointed out that the address of the rental home was visible on some of the packaging of the designer bags he had posted about on Facebook and Instagram. This led to speculation that the killing was a targeted robbery, and some even accused his friend Mike “Dee” Durodola of setting him up.
Arrest and Charges
As the investigation continued, the LAPD arrested five people in relation to Pop Smoke’s murder. Four of them were charged, including Corey Walker, Keandre Rodgers, and two minor teens whose names were not released due to their age. Although the suspects were in an LA gang, police sources cited by TMZ said they didn’t think the crime was linked to Pop Smoke’s potential gang ties, given that he was from New York City, nor part of a potential East Coast–West Coast dispute.
New Details Emerge in Court
Recently, new details about Pop Smoke’s murder emerged in court during proceedings to determine whether the case against Walker would go to trial. It was revealed that the alleged killer was only 15 years old and that the teens involved in Pop Smoke’s death were allegedly at his rental to steal his diamond-encrusted
Rolex and Cuban-link chain. They only wound up stealing Pop Smoke’s watch and later sold it for a mere $2,000. According to the LAPD detective Carlos Camacho, the 15-year-old suspect admitted that they had asked for the jewelry and then got into a confrontation with Pop Smoke, which led to a fight and the fatal shooting.
Alleged Confession by the Suspect
The court also heard that Walker had allegedly admitted to his role in Pop Smoke’s murder during a surreptitiously recorded conversation with an informant who was put in his jail cell. Walker had reportedly told the informant that the robbery crew sported ski masks and gloves and used a police scanner to carry out their plan, in an effort to avoid being caught.
Pop Smoke Fought Back
The court also heard that Pop Smoke fought back against the robbers and was pistol-whipped before being shot in the chest. The accused shooter, who faces murder and robbery charges, allegedly “admitted that they asked for the jewelry” and then got into “a confrontation” with Pop Smoke, Camacho said. “They got into a fight, and he shot [Jackson] three times,” Camacho claimed. “[The accused] said he shot him on the back.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pop Smoke was a young and talented rapper who was taken from us far too soon. His unique sound and undeniable talent made him a rising star in the rap scene, and he was on the verge of achieving even greater success when his life was tragically cut short. Despite his untimely passing, his music lives on and continues to inspire and influence many. Pop Smoke’s memory will not be forgotten, and his impact on the rap genre will be felt for years to come.
