Pop Smoke

Pop Smoke Murderer Confesses To Killing Him

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Pop Smoke was an up and coming rapper from Brooklyn, New York. At the age of 20, he was killed. At the time, it was reported that he was shot during a home invasion at his residence in Hollywood Hills. Pop Smoke was declared dead on February 19th, 2020 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office then determined that Pop Smoke died from a gunshot wound to the torso. The suspects involved in the shooting remained at large for months. Then, in July 2020, five people were taken into custody.

Pop Smoke was recognized as a leading figure of the Brooklyn drill scene, hailing from the Canarsie neighborhood in Brooklyn. He gained widespread attention in 2019 after releasing his hit single “Welcome to the Party” and subsequently released two mixtapes, Meet the Woo and Meet the Woo Vol. 2. His song even received remixes from Nicki Minaj and Skepta. Additionally, he collaborated with Travis Scott on “GATTI” for the JACKBOYS label compilation released in 2019. He had a bright future ahead of him before it was snuffed out.

Read More: Pop Smoke’s Best Songs

Pop Smoke’s Killer Was Just A Kid

Pop Smoke performs at the Soulfrito Music Festival at Barclays Center.
(Photo by Arik Mazur/Getty Images)

According to the Los Angeles Times, there has finally been a confession in the case of Pop Smoke’s murder. A teenager has admitted to killing the artist. The culprit was 15 years old at the time of a home invasion robbery that resulted in the death of the rapper in February 2020. The teen also confessed to other charges related to the robbery. The defendant’s identity has not been disclosed due to being a minor at the time of the crime, and he was charged in juvenile court. He could remain in custody until he turns 25.

Earlier this year, the same case saw a 20-year-old defendant plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter. At the time of the shooting, the defendant was 17 years old and faced charges as a juvenile. Law enforcement officials arrested five individuals in July 2020 for breaking into the Airbnb where Pop Smoke was temporarily staying. Two of the individuals, Keandre Rodgers and Corey Walker, are still facing murder charges in the case, and could potentially receive the death penalty if convicted. Another individual was arrested in connection with the robbery, but was not charged.

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Pop Smoke’s Producer Shuns Posthumous Releases: ‘He Would Not Approve 99% of the Stuff’

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It’s been a while since we received a posthumous Pop Smoke release, but the late rapper’s voice could be heard everywhere in years prior.

Pop Smoke’s manager and producer Rico Beats was speaking with a fan in Instagram DMs and revealed he felt Pop would not approve of any posthumous releases in his name.

“If pop was a live he would not approved of 99 percent of the stuff they put out,” Rico wrote.

He would go on to suggest that we have heard all of the stashed music available. He wrote, “What else ya want pop died 3 years ago how much music ya think he did in one year? Y’all gotta be real.”

You can see it from Rico below.

Three years ago, Pop Smoke was killed during a home invasion in Hollywood Hills. Rumors circulated that accidentally showing his address on social media hours earlier led to his untimely demise.

One of the underaged invaders has just been sentenced to four years in a Youth Treatment Center.

LA Times reports:

A 20-year-old charged in the killing of Pop Smoke pleaded guilty in juvenile court Thursday, admitting he entered a Hollywood Hills mansion as a teenager in February 2020 intending to rob the rapper, who was shot to death in a struggle with his assailants.

The defendant pleaded guilty in an Inglewood courtroom to voluntary manslaughter and home invasion robbery; he was the first to admit guilt of four defendants charged in the death of Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson.

Judge J. Christopher Smith sentenced the defendant to four years and two months in the Secure Youth Treatment Facility but warned he could remain in juvenile custody until he was 25. The judge declined to apply the two years and eight months he has already spent in juvenile hall toward his sentence.

Three others are charged in Jackson’s death: two juvenile defendants, 15 and 17 at the time of the homicide, and Corey Walker, who was 19. A judge has issued a court order barring the media from identifying the juvenile defendants.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Hilary Williams told a judge at a hearing in August that the defendant who pleaded guilty Thursday was no minor participant in the crime: He scouted the mansion, helped Walker recruit three other juveniles to rob Jackson and, after entering the home, remained in “constant communication” with Walker, who waited in the getaway car.

From a wiretap on his phone, detectives learned he’d committed other robberies, Williams added.

Martin Lijtmaer, the attorney for the defendant who pleaded guilty Thursday, argued his client was intellectually disabled, sparking a years-long series of examinations and hearings over his competency to stand trial.

Jody Ward, a psychologist who examined the defendant on behalf of the prosecution, testified in August that he appeared to be faking the disability.

After he was arrested, the defendant showed a familiarity with the judicial process that belied his alleged disability, Ward testified. He planned with his cellmate — a plant for the police, who were secretly recording the conversation — how to glean information from detectives without giving anything up himself, Ward said.

“OJ was able to beat his case even though there was blood on his socks,” he told his cellmate, according to Ward. But if all else failed, “I still got that Regional Center s—,” he said, a reference to the facility where he’d been diagnosed as disabled.

After handing down the sentence, Smith addressed the defendant. “I don’t know how you and your friends even came to the idea to rob someone, someone whose life was taken unnecessarily.”

The judge noted the defendant will one day return to his family. “Mr. Jackson is not. His life is done because of what you and your friends did. You owe. You owe.”

The post Pop Smoke’s Producer Shuns Posthumous Releases: ‘He Would Not Approve 99% of the Stuff’ appeared first on The Source.

Pop Smoke’s Producer Claims No More Posthumous Releases Are Possible

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Pop Smoke

Pop Smoke fans may be disappointed due to recent news. According to a direct message conversation on Instagram between Pop Smoke’s producer Rico Beats and a fan, the late rapper has no more music left to release. Recently, in a direct message conversation on Instagram between a fan and Pop Smoke’s producer Rico Beats, the […]

The post Pop Smoke’s Producer Claims No More Posthumous Releases Are Possible appeared first on SOHH.com.

Pop Smoke Mural Gets A Much-Needed Update

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Pop Smoke was an artist that was set to take the industry by storm. With this untimely passing, came many fans and artists alike that wanted to honor his legacy. In the wake of his passing, one mural, in particular, garnered the internet’s attention. A botched mural of Pop Smoke had been found, setting the entire internet ablaze. Many users didn’t hold back describing their distaste for the mural saying it was an embarrassment to the late rapper. It appears that someone has tried to remedy this egregious act.

The original botched mural that went viral at Pop Smokes Exotic was redone recently, but fans and critics had some choice words for the piece. Some fans commented saying “just take the walls down,” while others (still disappointed) gave some words of encouragement. “Bro needs to learn about proportions, a basic art technique, but it looks much better,” said one commenter. As a Pop Smoke fan, the mural definitely looks better than what it was. However, it’s not the most accurate depiction of the late rapper. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen botched artwork of some our biggest celebrities.

Pop Smoke’s Mural Goes Viral(Again)

The last time we saw botched art go viral was when the infamous Cristiano Ronaldo bust surfaced. Many Ronaldo and sports fans alike were left stunned at the completely inaccurate depiction of the soccer legend. Pop Smoke meant a lot to the city of New York, but he was also ushering a new wave into the industry. It was as if we were seeing a second coming of Fifty Cent (minus all the beef). So much so, even Fif could see the resemblance between the two New York natives.

You never want to see an artist lose their life so soon. Especially one as talented as Pop. Thanks to Pop Smoke, we all got to Meet the Woo with his trademark voice, grimy raps, and infectious New York drill sound. New York drill was put on the map the moment Pop Smoke stepped foot on the scene. It was a sound that gave us all a newfound energy. Although it’s tragic what happened to Pop Smoke, it’s great to see his memory kept alive in all forms of art. What do you think of the Pop Smoke mural? Did they get it right? Let us know below!

Pop Smoke Murder: What We Know About His Killers

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On February 19th, 2020, Bashar Barakah Jackson, a.k.a Pop Smoke, a rising star in Brooklyn’s drill music scene, died via a gunshot wound. The murder occurred during a home invasion at a Los Angeles rental house. He was only 20 years old.

Prior to his death, Pop Smoke had released his second compilation album, Meet the Woo 2. This album debuted at number seven on the US Billboard 200, marking his first top-10 hit in the US. 

What We Know About Pop Smoke’s Murder

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: Pop Smoke performs at the Soulfrito Music Festival at Barclays Center on August 30, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Arik Mazur/Getty Images)

According to prosecutors, on the day of Pop Smoke’s murder, Corey Walker and four others arrived at the house just after 4 a.m. When they got there, their goal was to locate luxury goods including a diamond-encrusted watch that Pop Smoke had flaunted on his social media pages. Allegedly, four of the five individuals entered the residence.

On July 9, 2020, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that they had apprehended five people in connection to the killing of Pop Smoke. Shortly after, prosecutors revealed that four of those suspects faced charges with the slaying. Corey Walker, who was 19 years old at the time, Keandre Rodgers, who was 18, and two minors, whose identities remain undisclosed due to their age, were among those charged. The police did not charge the fifth person taken into custody.

The Alleged Shooter Was Only 15 Years Old

PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 16: Pop Smoke is wearing a Louis Vuitton look before the Louis Vuitton AW20 Men Show on January 16, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Police Department detective Carlos Camacho stated, as reported by the New York Daily News that the 15-year-old suspect delivered the fatal shot. Camacho further alleged that Walker confessed to having requested the rapper’s gold chain and watch before engaging in a confrontation with him.

According to prosecutors, the masked assailants confronted Pop Smoke in his upstairs bedroom while he took a shower. The 15-year-old suspect shot him after a struggle and allegedly kicked him as the rapper was on the floor. The robbers allegedly expressed gratitude when they believed Pop Smoke would comply, but he ultimately fought back. As a result, the robbers pistol-whipped him, and the 15-year-old fired, striking Pop Smoke in the chest. The source of these details was reportedly a recorded conversation with an alleged informant in May 2020.

Walker’s Alleged Confession

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 29: Pop Smoke performs at Olympia London on November 29, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

According to a report by The New York Daily News, Walker admitted his involvement in Pop Smoke’s death in a secret conversation with an informant in his jail cell. Despite pleading not guilty, Walker supposedly revealed that he and his accomplices wore ski masks and gloves.

They also utilized a police scanner to avoid detection during their robbery attempt. Law enforcement officials testified that all four suspects became aware of Pop Smoke’s location through his Instagram posts. Detective Frank Flores of the Los Angeles Police Department testified that surveillance footage shows Walker’s connection to Pop Smoke’s murder.

According to The New York Daily News, the video showed an Infinity vehicle transporting the suspects to the location of the crime. The license plate number belongs to Walker. The newspaper also reported that Walker was in the same vehicle at another time when police stopped it for an unrelated matter before the murder.

Walker’s Lawyer Files For Dismissal

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 06: Pop Smoke performs at the Pop Smoke Listening Party at Villain on February 06, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

In October 2021, Walker, who was 20 years old, appeared in a Los Angeles court while his defense lawyer, Christopher Darden. They submitted a motion to dismiss his charges of murder and robbery. Darden argued that Walker had explicitly expressed his disapproval of violence before the murder.

A filing submitted by Darden argued that Walker did not enter the house. It states that he was not armed and did not share the intent to murder. Darden stated that his client was only the driver of the vehicle and remained outside. Walker claimed that he knew that they brought a weapon but made it clear that it should not be used. Instead, he suggested using a flower vase if necessary. After the robbers exited the house, Walker learned of the shooting and subsequently assaulted the shooter.

Corey Walker, who is now 21 years old, was scheduled to begin trial on October 13, 2022, in a Los Angeles court. However, his defense attorney requested a postponement. The Superior Court Judge, Curtis B. Rappe, granted the request.. Walker will face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted as charged. District Attorney’s office announced they would not seek the death penalty.

Suspect Pleads Guilty To Voluntary Manslaughter In Pop Smoke Murder

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Rapper Pop Smoke performs onstage during day 2 of the Rolling Loud Festival at Banc of California Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Rapper Pop Smoke performs onstage during day 2 of the Rolling Loud Festival at Banc of California Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

One of four men charged with murder pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in April 2023. The individual was 17 years old at the time of the crime and also entered a guilty plea for home invasion robbery. As a result, the judge sentenced K to spend four years and two months in a juvenile facility. According to The Los Angeles Times, he did not receive any credit for time served at a juvenile detention center. A pretrial hearing begins on May 5 for the remaining defendants in the Pop Smoke murder.

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A Supposed Pop Smoke Mural That Looks Nothing Like The Rapper Sparked Online Ridicule And Outrage

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Pop Smoke was shot to death inside of his Hollywood Hills home in February 2020. The New York-born rapper (real name Bashar Barakah Jackson) tragically lost his life at just 20 years old. Earlier this month, the Associated Press reported that one man connected to Pop Smoke’s murder pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter.

There have been efforts to preserve his memory, including posthumous releases and the debut of a mural in his Brooklyn neighborhood months after his death.

Today, April 17, an mural, supposedly of the rapper is making the rounds online — and it looks nothing like Pop Smoke:

It’s unclear where the mural is located (it appears to be inside of a store), and it hasn’t been totally confirmed that the mural is intended to reflect Pop Smoke, but it does (somewhat) bear a resemblance to a photo of the late rapper.

The reactions are predictably negative. Commenters flooded No Jumper’s post claiming that the painted figure looks more like Babyface Ray, Fivio Foreign, or Lil Durk.

“They put the Snapchat baby face filter on him smh…,” a tweeter going by Dan I wrote, while Everyrealm compared it to the infamous Ronaldo sculpture from 2017.

While the mural is objectively sore, it was much more egregious when Aubrey Jackson, Pop Smoke’s mother, shared in September 2021 that his gravesite had been vandalized.

Pop Smoke Mural Gets Roasted Online

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Years after his untimely death, Pop Smoke’s legacy continues to loom large over the hip-hop world. However, not every attempt to immortalize and celebrate his memory has gone over particularly well. On one hand, some people disrespectfully vandalized The Woo’s mural last December to many’s outrage. Still, a new mural has people feeling heated for other, albeit much less overtly disrespectful reasons. On Monday (April 17), an unknown mural made rounds on social media, for which people don’t know the location, artist, or if it was even meant to resemble Pop. However, the details certainly match up, even if many fans think it looks nothing like the rapper.

Of course, Twitter had a field day reacting to this news, either making jokes about it or expressing straight up disgust. Still, since it’s unclear where this mural is, it’s not like people can go out and ask around its location to see who could explain some more. Despite the confusion, it looks to be inside a store, so take that hint and run with it if you’re in the New York area. Also, this news comes shortly after a suspect in his murder pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and received a sentence of four years and two months in juvenile detention.

Pop Smoke Mural Gets Blasted Online

Even though this mural isn’t the best look for Pop Smoke’s legacy, given that his fans seem to hate it, the New York legend lives on in many other ways. One of those is his strong connections to other heavy-hitters in the industry who tell stories of what a pleasure he was to work with. “I f***ed with Pop Smoke and the whole Drill sound,” Polo G said on the Full Send podcast. “You know, coming from Chicago, that’s where that s**t started at. So, I really tapped into they s**t. I hit up Pop like, ‘Yo, let’s do this.’ He had been hitting me up in the past, but before I knew who he was. And then, when I seen they wave going strong, I hit him like, ‘Yo, I f**k with y’all s**t. Let’s do something.’” Polo was asked if he worked with Pop in the studio.

“The craziest thing, I worked with him right before he passed,” he continued. “I was in the studio with him. He said he was leaving to L.A. I stayed in New York an extra day to make sure Fivio [Foreign] laid his verse [for ‘Clueless’]. And Pop, a contact was telling me Pop wanted to get in the stu in L.A. the night he passed. ‘Cause I live there, he live there. We was supposed to get up.” Furthermore, he shared that Pop Smoke asked Polo for the name of a popular Chicago spot to shout out in his verse, and he did exactly that. Check out reactions to the controversial Pop Smoke mural below and return to HNHH for more on the late legend’s legacy.

Twitter Reacts To Mural

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Best Songs From Fivio Foreign, Ranked

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Fivio Foreign gained recognition after the release of his hit single “Big Drip,” which got a remix treatment that featured Lil Baby and Quavo. He has continued to rise the ranks of New York’s new school rappers with his critically acclaimed debut, B.I.B.L.E. BigFish released the album in April 2022 with distribution from Columbia Records.

B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) debuted at No. 9 on the US Billboard 200 chart. It sold 29,000 equivalent units and has so far garnered 37.75 million streams. Additionally, Fivio Foreign has two official EPs; Pain and Love (2019) and 800 B.C (2020). He has also featured in numerous hit singles from artists like Drake, Kanye West, and Lil Tjay. These are some of his best songs so far.

8. “Big Drip (Remix)” feat. Lil Baby & Quavo (2019)

This is the single that shot Fivio Foreign into the limelight. His 2019 800 BC mixtape features the original record and remix. The remix features Atlanta trap star Lil Baby and former Migos member, Quavo. Big Drip has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling a million equivalent single units. BigFish/Colombia Records released and distributed the song. AXL Beats produced the single.

7. “Head Shot” – Lil Tjay feat. Fivio Foreign & Polo G (2021)

“Head Shot” is one of the lead singles of Lil Tjay’s sophomore album, Born 2 Win, released in 2021. Fivio features on the record alongside Chicago native Polo G. The single has been certified platinum by the RIAA. It debuted at No. 21 on the US Billboard R&B and Hip-Hop Chart and No. 42 on the US Chart. Bordeaux and Non Native produced the single with contributions from 101 Slide, Dmac, and Tahj Money.

6. “City of Gods” feat. Kanye West & Alicia Keys (2022)

The lead single is the highest-charting song from the rapper’s B.I.B.L.E. album. It features Kanye West, who delivers a stellar verse, and Alicia Keys delivers a memorable repetitive hook. Ye returns the favor on “City of Gods” after Fivio was featured on his song “Off the Grid.” The song is another New York anthem that floats over Fivio Foreign’s signature drill beat.

“City of Gods” peaked at No. 46 on the US Billboard Chart and No. 15 on the R&B and Hip-Hop chart. The RIAA has certified the song Gold for half a million equivalent units sold. AyoAA, Hemz, and Kanye West produced “City of Gods”. Additionally, Lil Mav, Ojivolta, and The Chainsmokers have production credits on the song.

5. “I Am What I Am” – King Von feat. Fivio Foreign (2020)

The single is from the late King Von’s debut album, Welcome to O’Block. Chopsquad DJ produced “I Am What I Am” as the official fourth single off the album. The single has been certified Gold by the RIAA and has been viewed 74 million times on YouTube. The record sees King Von and Fivio Foreign trade bars on grimy drill themes like sex, gun violence, and life in the inner cities.

4. “Not In The Mood” – Lil Tjay feat. Fivio Foreign & Kay Flock (2021)

Lil Tjay, now a frequent Fivio Foreign collaborator, delivers a catchy hook and an above-average hook on his song “Not in the Mood.” However, Fivio steals the show with the delivery of his verse. The song also features Kay Flock. BS Beats and AyoAA handled the production of the song. “Not in the Modd” peaked at No. 22 on the R&B and Hip-Hop chart and No. 62 on the US Chart. It has amassed 31 million views on YouTube.

3. “Demons” – Drake feat. Fivio Foreign & Sosa Geek (2020)

Fivio Foregn’s heat reached the 6 God, Drake, and he decided to bring him on his Dark Lanes Demo Tapes project. The project debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is certified platinum. “Demons” features a Fivio Foreign guest verse. The song sees Drake, Fivio, and Sosa Geek take turns delivering bars on the now-popular drill beat. Fivio’s cadence was impeccable. The single peaked at No. 20 on the R&B Chart and No. 34 on the US Chart. JB Made It produced the beat.

2. “Zoo York” – Lil Tjay feat. Fivio Foreign & Pop Smoke (2020)

“Zoo York” comes off Lil Tjay’s third EP, State of Emergency, distributed by Columbia Records. The song features Fivio Foreign and the late drill rapper Pop Smoke. The words ‘Zoo York’ are a play on words extrapolated from New York, which the artists on the song call home. “Zoo York” has been certified platinum by the RIAA. It peaked at No. 28 on the R&B and Hip-Hop chart and No. 65 on the US Chart. Bordeaux and Non Native produced “Zoo York.” The song has been viewed 57 million times on YouTube since it was uploaded two years ago.

1. “Off The Grid” – Kanye West feat. Fivio Foreign & Playboy Carti (2021)

 Fivio Foreign jumps on the “Off the Grid” single from the then highly anticipated Donda album from Kanye West. This is Fivio’s highest-peaking featured single. The song reached No. 4 on the US R&B and Hih-Hop Chart and No. 11 on the US Chart. “Off the Grid” also features an eerie verse from Playboy Carti. Kanye, 30 Roc AyoAA, Ojivolta David & Eli, and Sloane produced the over five minutes track. The album and the song have been certified platinum in the United States by the RIAA.

A Man Charged In Connection To Pop Smoke’s Murder Pleads Guilty To Voluntary Manslaughter

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Three years after Pop Smoke’s (real name Bashar Barakah Jackson) tragic murder, the case is nearing a close. Revered as one of the driving forces behind New York’s drill music scene, the late rapper’s vocals continued to be used on tracks as recently as Tyga’s song “Sunshine,” released last summer. Initially, five people were investigated in connection to his death, but only four were formally charged.

Now, according to the Associated Press, one of those men has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. He previously pleaded guilty in Inglewood juvenile court to the charge of home invasion robbery. It is unclear if his four-year and two-month sentencing in a juvenile facility includes the voluntary manslaughter charge. But what is known at this time is that the judge preceding over the case “declined to apply the two years and eight months he has already spent in the juvenile hall toward his sentence.”

At the time of the slain, the defendant was just 17 years old (he’s 20 now), so his name was not released to the public. Neither was the identity of his co-defendant, who was 15 years old. The two other parties charged were Corey Walker (19 years of age at the time) and Keandre Rodgers (18 years old).

In the court testimony retrieved by the Los Angeles Times, a detective shared that Jackson was “in the shower when masked robbers confronted him. During a struggle, one attacker, who was 15, pistol-whipped the rapper and shot him three times in the back.” Before fleeing the scene, they stole the rapper’s diamond-studded Rolex watch, which they later sold for $2,000.