Three years ago, up and coming New York rapper 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 death of Pop Smoke left a hole in the rap game, especially at a time when New York was reclaiming its sound. The rapper was shot and killed in the Hollywood Hills during a botched home invasion. Though there have been a number of conspiracy theories surrounding his death, police eventually apprehended three individuals they believe broke into the mansion on Feb. 19th, 2020, and murdered the rapper.
According to Associated Press, one of the individuals connected to the Brooklyn rapper’s death has pleaded guilty. The 20-year-old, who was 17 at the time of the murder, copped to one count of involuntary manslaughter on Thursday. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to another count of home invasion robbery. As part of the guilty plea, he received a sentence of four years and two months in a juvenile facility. Since he was a minor at the time of the shooting, the judge put a publication ban on his name.
One Man Pleads Guilty In Pop Smoke Murder Trial
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 31: Pop Smoke attends Lil Uzi Vert’s 25th Birthday at Moxy Hotel on July 31, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Throughout the investigation, detectives and prosecutors said that the three individuals located Pop Smoke’s mansion after he posted a picture of a gift bag with the address a day prior. The three individuals broke into the mansion where they found Pop Smoke in the shower. A struggle between Pop and one of the individuals broke out, leading to one of the attackers, who was 15 at the time, shooting the rapper in the back three times. The men left with diamond-encrusted Rolex and $2000 in cash.
Since Pop Smoke’s passing, his estate and friends have kept his name alive. A few months after his passing, 50 Cent, and Steven Victory released Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon, which boasted a star-studded tracklist including Quavo, Lil Baby, Future, Roddy Ricch, Fivio Foreign, Karol G, and more. A year later, they released Faith, which also included a number of heavy-hitter features. However, there hasn’t been anything in recent times indicating that another posthumous album is in the pipeline. We’ll keep you posted on any more updates on the murder trial surrounding Pop Smoke’s death.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Pop Smoke‘s rise to the top of New York’s burgeoning drill scene captured the attention of the rap world. Riding the wave of “Welcome To The Party” and “Dior”,” he entered the 2020s as one of the most exciting and unique MCs. Quickly becoming one of the marquee names in rap, his sound took over the nation. Later influencing the likes of Kanye West to drive into drill music, he took the genre and put his own energetic spin on it.
Blending drill and trap into an electric sound, he released his debut mixtape ‘Meet the Woo’ in 2019, He would soon follow up the breakout record with it’s sequel, ‘Meet the Woo 2.’ With so much ahead for Pop Smoke (whose full name is Bashar Jackson), he was tragically shot to death in his Hollywood Hills home on February 19, 2020. His first full-length, studio album would release months after his passing. ‘Shoot for the Moon, Aims for the Stars‘ debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales reaching over 250,000. Executive-produced by 50 Cent, the albums’ booming success had obvious dark undertones in the fact that it would be the last record with full input from Pop Smoke.
There’s no denying that Pop Smoke is one of the biggest what if stories in rap. While he only released music for a few years, he was able to curate a heavy catalogue of bangers within a brief span of time. We can only wonder at where he would’ve taken the sound over the coming decade. Today, we dive into the ten best songs from his vault.
Dior
It’s impossible to mention Pop Smoke’s career without brining up “Dior.” The sixth track on his debut mixtape, ‘Meet the Woo.’ Featuring a nasty violin sample and menacing 808, this song could be heard on stereo speakers in clubs across the country in 2019. Of course, it wasn’t only the production that made this track so unique. Pop Smoke’s ability to switch from rapid verses to catchy adlibs on a dime made the synergy on this track immediately ear-catching.
With bars such as “Christian Dior, Dior, I’m all up in the stores,’ Pop Smoke immediately embraced his new lifestyle. Of course, his constant flexing is doesn’t come off as egotistical considering his rough upbringing. Expelled from school in eighth grade, many counted him out before he even got to high-school.
Welcome to the Party
The second most streamed song off of breakout mixtape ‘Meet the Woo,’ ‘Welcome to the Party’ is another drill-based banger. Pop Smoke was iconic for his recognizable hooks and memorizable lyrics. His uniquely deep and menacing voice cut through just about anything. This track is a hallmark example of that, as he flexes his lavish lifestyle. Mumbling “I the boy up then I go skate in a rari,” it’s impossible not to jump around to this absolute banger.
While “Dior” ended being his most-streamed track, “Welcome to the Party” is the track that really put the New York drill scene on the map. Pop Smoke addressed the hook (“I’m of the Molly, the Xan, the Lean that’s why I’m movin’ retarded”) in a Genius interview, stating “when you come from my neighborhood, people take drugs to ease their pain.” For all of the critics of his drug and gun-related lyricism, he’s not glorifying that lifestyle. The intention is to shine light on the environment he grew up in.
The seventh and final track off of the ‘JACKBOYS‘ mixtape, ‘Gatti’ was met with mixed reviews after the tape initially hit streaming services. At the time, Pop Smoke’s New York drill was still relatively fresh in the mainstream scene. His unique voice and drill production threw the more traditional trap audience of ‘JACKBOYS’ for a loop. The collaboration opened up a number of doors for Pop Smoke to work with other big-name artists, such as Travis Scott and Don Toliver.
‘Gatti’ was another prime example of how unique Pop Smoke’s voice was. Rapping alongside some of the shortlisted names in the industry (Don Toliver, Travis Scott, etc), his presence stood out amongst the crowd. Featuring an intricate drill beat, his relentless flow fits perfectly with the production. Travis Scott would later honor Pop Smoke’s memory with a new Dior Collection back in 2021.
44 Bulldog
Much of ‘Shoot for the Moon, Aim for the Stars’ implemented more of a melodic sound rather than the cohesive ragers of his ‘Meet the Woo’ mixtapes. Being his first studio release, he often takes a backseat for the likes of Quavo or Lil Baby. However, “44 Bulldog” was a welcome exception to this. Pop Smoke takes the forefront from start to finish. “44 Bulldog” references a British pocket revolver; Pop Smoke’s crime-ridden upbringing meant he was no stranger to gun violence. Growing up in a violent neighborhood, it’s only natural that much of his songwriting references this.
Menacing piano chords introduce us to a track that immediately draws the listener in. The overtly loud ad-libs add a unique oddity the song, sometimes overtaking his verses. The devilish, slick lyricism from Pop Smoke highlights where he’s at his very best as a rapper. Lines such as “I kicked her out ’cause I’m allergic to the cuffin’” or “I ain’t talk with the talk or the chit-chat” aid to the powerful aura that Pop Smoke created around himself.
Gangstas
It’s hard to miss the 50 Cent influence on “Gangstas.” You can tell that the Brooklyn-born rapper is a student of the bling-era sound, he does the sound so much justice. Twinkling piano keys lead into a bass-boosted banger. Coming right after “44 Bulldog,” the track blends the early 2000s bling-era with Pop Smoke’s modern drill sound. In fact, 50 Cent’s imprint is heavy on ‘Shoot for the Moon, Aim for the Stars.’ Largely contributing as an executive producer, he also delivered a feature on ‘The Woo,’ which also features Lil Baby.
Pop Smoke isn’t messing around lyrically on this track, either. Mirroring 50 Cent’s early 2000s lyricism, he portrays himself as a sort of ring leader of the New York rap scene with bars such as “I’m the f**kin voice of the streets, it’s like Jesus walkin’” or “six by six, big Benz on my wrist.” While much of the album dives into the aforementioned melodic sound, he’s at his best when he dives head-first into nasty drill bangers.
Hawk Em
The third track from his debut mixtape, “Hawk Em” is undoubtedly one of the more overlooked tracks in his discography. Blending an echoing snare, distant piano chords, and a booming bass, it’s one of Pop Smoke’s more straightforward drill tracks. Eerily familiar to “Off the Grid” off of ‘Donda‘, Pop Smoke goes after a slightly faster flow than normal. The track sounds simple in 2023, as the sub-genre exploded since this mixtape’s release. However, the blend of Chicago and UK drill still sounded ground-breaking back in 2019.
“Hawk Em” is a prime example of why a track doesn’t need to be overly complex to be enjoyable. The track gets straight to the point, as Pop Smoke can be pictured strolling through New York City as a “gentlemen and a gangster.” Even at this early stage of his career, his unique and fleeting rhymes were making waves in the East Coast drill scene.
Got It On Me
One of the biggest tracks off of ‘Shoot for the Moon, Aim for the Stars,’ killer flows and vocal lines populate “Got It On Me.” A direct tribute to 50 Cent’s classic hook off of “Many Men,” Pop Smoke interpolates 50 Cent’s iconic hook. He more than does the original hook justice, adding a unique spin to it with his growling voice. The track features relentless flows and killer lyrics. There’s a definite DMX influence to the uncompromising energy of the track. A sampled choir makes it’s way into the production, adding a triumphant yet eerie feel to the track.
“Got It On Me” had actually been sitting in Pop Smoke’s vault for 2+ years before it’s release. 50 Cent was shocked when he heard Pop Smoke’s version of the recording, which prompted the two meeting for future collaborations. The sole producer of the track, “Young Devante,” said that the beat was initially created with Meek Mill‘s style in mind. Pop Smoke pleads for mercy and taunts his enemies simultaneously, making the hit track one of his more lyrically complex songs.
Invincible
The first track off of ‘Meet the Woo 2‘, “Invincible” blends a violin sample with a nasty drill beat. The track is fierce, bold, and unapologetic in every way imaginable. In many ways, it sonically parallels “Dior.” As the title implies, Pop Smoke depicts feeling “Invincible.” The track is a 2-minute long ode to his wild lifestyle. He is essentially idealizing money, women, and power. Depicting himself walking through Brooklyn, his sudden fame has given him an undeniable sense of being unstoppable.
All of this is undercut by his reference to “percs” at the beginning of the song. This implies that his feeling of invincibility primarily exists due to him being on drugs. In fact, his not-to-subtle references to drugs throughout his discography are often expressed as a piece of darkness within his daily life. “Invincible” is best played on a set of loud speakers at a house party, and is yet another menacing banger in Pop Smoke’s discography.
What You Know Bout Love
Raised in a 90s era when the genre was still at it’s peak, it’s not a surprise that he tried his hand at the R&B sound. The softer production mirrors the sincere lyricism. He speaks about his infatuation with his lover, and eagerness to please her. Previously criticized as being slightly one dimensional in his flow patterns, “What You Know Bout Love” silenced the critics by highlighting his vocal talents, as he delivers a heartfelt chorus amidst twinkling synths.
Pop Smoke’s second top-10 single, the track peaked at number nine of the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Well-known for rapping about violence or power, the track represents an interesting diversion from his traditional songwriting. Perfect for a backyard BBQ or a summer drive with the windows down, the track really solidified his distinctiveness of a rapper.
War
Pop Smoke’s collaborations were admittedly hit or miss during his career. However, Smoke and Lil Tjay coming together always meant fireworks. The two rap about intimidating people in the New York streets. Blending Smoke croaky rhymes with Lil Tjay’s humming, the two ‘s directly contrasting voices make for a frenzied track.
Initially releasing in 2019, the track would later release as a bonus cut off of ‘Meet the Woo 2.’ It’s worth noting how eye-catching and downright fun the music video for this track is. The video cuts from Smoke and Tjay waltzing around a grandeur mansion, to riding motorcycles in the New York streets.
Justice has yet to be served in Pop Smoke’s murder case. Several suspects were arrested after the beloved Drill rapper was gunned down at a luxury home in the Hollywood Hills. Pop was a respected artist on the rise, but sadly, his life was cut short in a botched home invasion. Since then, his loved ones and peers have kept his legacy alive, and Polo G is offering insight into what almost occurred that fateful day.
Last week, Polo G was a guest on the Full Send Podcast, where he opened up about a few hot topics. He detailed the controversy over him allegedly unfollowing Gunna while also claiming that he and Pop were supposed to be in the studio on the day of the murder. “I f*cked with Pop Smoke and the whole Drill sound,” Polo began.
Polo G Details Last Conversations With Pop Smoke
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 13: Rapper Polo G performs during Future & Friends “One Big Party Tour”at Spectrum Center on January 13, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
“You know, coming from Chicago, that’s where that sh*t started at,” the rapper continued. “So, I really tapped into they sh*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*ck with y’all sh*t. Let’s do something.’” Polo was asked if he worked with Pop in the studio.
“Yeah, Pop, I worked with him. The craziest thing, I worked with him right before he passed,” Polo further shared. “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.”
Polo G Describes Pop Smoke In The Studio
The Full Send hosts question Polo G about what Pop Smoke was like when he laid his verse. Polo recalls Pop getting through the session fairly quickly. The late rapper even paid homage to Chicago by asking Polo for the name of a popular spot in the city. When Polo let him know, Pop put it in his verse. Check it out above.
It’s been nearly three years now since Pop Smoke’s tragic murder from a fatal home invasion gone wrong. He was only 20 years old. Unfortunately, a mural put up in his memory was allegedly vandalized yesterday.
DJ Akademiks took to his Instagram to report the news. “Someone vandalized Pop Smoke’s mural in Brooklyn,” reads the caption from the streamer. “Word to my dead[,] yall n*ccas are mad childish like wtf,” says a screenshot of a Snapchat of the damage. Based on the photo, it appears as though somebody is responsible for writing “Woo K” over top of the mural.
The mural was finished shortly after his passing, in July of 2020. It honors the late rapper’s legacy in Canarsie, Brooklyn, where Pop grew up. According to Complex, Hattas Public Murals is responsible for undertaking and painting the tribute.
“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and fans of the late and beloved Pop Smoke. Much love to you all. And thank you to the community of #Canarsie for your overwhelming support as we painted this memorial mural,” the company wrote in an Instagram afterwards.
Four men have since been charged in Pop Smoke’s murder. They broke into the rented home while intending to rob the rapper of his jewelry. They took his watch during the invasion and subsequently sold it for $2,000. The alleged shooter is only 15 years old.
Ever since the “Dior” rapper’s untimely death, his estate has released two posthumous albums. The first of which is Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon. Releasing just five months after his passing, the project serves as a celebration of life and honors his legacy through songs like “Make It Rain” and “Got It On Me.”
The second one, Faith, saw a release in July of 2021. However, it isn’t as successful as its predecessor in continuing the Brooklyn native’s legacy. Fans and publications alike critique the album for containing too much filler content. Additionally, a common sentiment is that it has too many songs that are seemingly unfinished.
Long Live Pop Smoke. It’s certainly heartbreaking to see someone do this to a mural meant to honor him and his music.
What’s your favorite song of his? Comment down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates in music and pop culture.
Rah Swish is keeping his foot on the gas following a highly productive 2022. The drill rapper’s remained active throughout the year with several projects and singles.
In the past week, Rah Swish slid through with his latest work, The Old Me. The 7-song body of work is a triumphant body of work that finds him showcasing his hard-hitting delivery over infectious drill production. The project kicks off with the previously released single, “Tell ‘Em.” The record samples Soulja Boy’s “Crank Dat” which Rah Swish recharges with his intense delivery and drill sounds. The project also includes the single, “Finish What I Started,” which arrived just before the album’s release.
The Old Me finds Rah Swish holding it down on his own without a single feature. However, he brings on a slew of excellent products like KinoDa1, Kajun Water, Bordeaux, and more.
This marks Rah Swish’s second project of the year and first solo offering of 2022. The rapper previously linked up with Ron Suno, Dusty Locane, and Onpointlikeop for their joint project Say Dat. Prior to that, Swish delivered a string of singles including collaborations alongside Don Q and Ron Suno.
In the past few years, Rah Swish became a pivotal force in New York’s drill scene. 2020’s Woo Foreverput a spotlight on him before he made a major statement the following year with MAYOR OF THE STREETS. Around the same time, he also had a major presence on Pop Smoke’s posthumous album, Faith on songs like “Brush Em” and “Dont Know Em.”
Check out the latest body of work from Rah Swish below and sound off in the comments with your favorite track off of The Old Me.
Rah Swish is keeping his foot on the gas following a highly productive 2022. The drill rapper’s remained active throughout the year with several projects and singles.
In the past week, Rah Swish slid through with his latest work, The Old Me. The 7-song body of work is a triumphant body of work that finds him showcasing his hard-hitting delivery over infectious drill production. The project kicks off with the previously released single, “Tell ‘Em.” The record samples Soulja Boy’s “Crank Dat” which Rah Swish recharges with his intense delivery and drill sounds. The project also includes the single, “Finish What I Started,” which arrived just before the album’s release.
The Old Me finds Rah Swish holding it down on his own without a single feature. However, he brings on a slew of excellent products like KinoDa1, Kajun Water, Bordeaux, and more.
This marks Rah Swish’s second project of the year and first solo offering of 2022. The rapper previously linked up with Ron Suno, Dusty Locane, and Onpointlikeop for their joint project Say Dat. Prior to that, Swish delivered a string of singles including collaborations alongside Don Q and Ron Suno.
In the past few years, Rah Swish became a pivotal force in New York’s drill scene. 2020’s Woo Foreverput a spotlight on him before he made a major statement the following year with MAYOR OF THE STREETS. Around the same time, he also had a major presence on Pop Smoke’s posthumous album, Faith on songs like “Brush Em” and “Dont Know Em.”
Check out the latest body of work from Rah Swish below and sound off in the comments with your favorite track off of The Old Me.
