What Age Did Pop Smoke Die? The music world was shaken on February 19, 2020, when news broke that Bashar Barakah Jackson, better known as Pop Smoke, had been tragically killed. At just 20 years old, the Brooklyn-born rapper was on the cusp of superstardom, leaving fans and the industry mourning the loss of a unique talent. His death during a home invasion in Los Angeles sparked conversations about his legacy, the dangers faced by young artists, and the impact of his short but vibrant career. Let’s dive into the details of Pop Smoke’s life, his untimely death, and the mark he left on hip-hop.
Table of Contents
Who Was Pop Smoke?
Pop Smoke was a force in the rap scene, particularly known for pioneering the Brooklyn drill movement. Born on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York, he grew up in the Canarsie neighborhood, raised by a Jamaican mother and a Panamanian father. His stage name, a blend of “Poppa” (a nickname from his grandmother) and “Smoke” (from childhood friends), reflected his roots and personality.
- Early Life: Bashar attended multiple schools in Brooklyn and showed an early love for music, playing African drums in his local church.
- Entry into Music: He began rapping in 2018, inspired by a studio session with friend Jay Gwuapo. His debut single, “MPR (Panic Part 3 Remix),” marked the start of his journey.
- Rise to Fame: His 2019 breakout singles “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior” became anthems, blending gritty lyrics with the aggressive beats of UK-influenced drill.
Pop Smoke’s gravelly voice and unapologetic style made him stand out. He signed with Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records in 2019, releasing his debut mixtape Meet the Woo that summer, followed by Meet the Woo 2 in February 2020, which hit number seven on the Billboard 200.
The Tragic Day: Pop Smoke’s Death
On February 19, 2020, Pop Smoke was staying at a rented Hollywood Hills home owned by Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp. Around 4:30 a.m., four masked men broke into the house through a second-story balcony. According to reports, the intruders targeted Pop Smoke after he inadvertently shared the home’s address on social media while showing off gift bags.
- The Incident: A woman in the house recounted that one intruder held a gun to her head, demanding silence, while others confronted Pop Smoke in the bathroom, where he was showering. A struggle ensued, and he was shot three times in the torso.
- Aftermath: Police arrived six minutes after a 911 call from someone on the East Coast who reported the invasion. Pop Smoke was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where doctors performed a thoracotomy, but he was pronounced dead hours later.
The motive appeared to be robbery, with the assailants stealing a diamond-studded Rolex they later sold for just $2,000. The senselessness of the crime—taking a life for so little—stunned fans and sparked outrage.
The Investigation and Legal Consequences
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) quickly launched an investigation, detaining several people at the scene, though they were released due to lack of cooperation or unreliable statements. By July 2020, five suspects were arrested, four of whom were charged in connection with Pop Smoke’s murder.
- Key Suspects: Corey Walker (19 at the time) and Keandre Rodgers (18) were charged in adult court, facing potential life sentences. Two minors, aged 15 and 17, were charged in juvenile court.
- Confessions: In 2023, an 18-year-old (15 at the time of the crime) admitted to first-degree murder and home-invasion robbery, confessing to shooting Pop Smoke during a struggle. He was sentenced to a juvenile facility until age 25.
- Ongoing Cases: Corey Walker, accused of planning the robbery, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2023 and faces up to 29 years in prison. The other suspects’ cases were handled in juvenile court, with limited public details due to their ages.
The investigation revealed the crime wasn’t linked to Pop Smoke’s rumored gang ties but was a tragic result of opportunistic greed, amplified by his social media visibility.
Pop Smoke’s Legacy in Music
Despite his short career, Pop Smoke’s impact on hip-hop is undeniable. His music, rooted in Brooklyn drill, blended raw energy with catchy hooks, influencing artists worldwide. His posthumous album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon (2020), executive-produced by 50 Cent, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with hits like “For the Night” and “What You Know Bout Love” charting in the top 10.
- Posthumous Success: His second album, Faith (2021), also hit number one, cementing his influence. Tracks like “AP” from the Boogie soundtrack showcased his versatility.
- Cultural Impact: Pop Smoke’s style inspired a new wave of drill artists, and his music continues to resonate on platforms like TikTok, where “Dior” remains a viral staple.
- Tributes: Artists like Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, and Quavo, who collaborated with him, paid tribute, with Minaj calling his death a result of “jealousy as cruel as the grave.”
His family, especially his mother, Audrey Jackson, has kept his legacy alive, speaking out against gun violence and celebrating his contributions to music.
Reflections on a Life Cut Short
Pop Smoke’s death at 20 is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities young artists face. His story reflects broader issues in the hip-hop community, where success can attract danger. The fact that he survived the challenges of Brooklyn’s streets only to die in a Hollywood Hills mansion highlights the unpredictability of fame. His mother’s heartfelt words at a sentencing hearing—“I’ll never see my son run up the front of our steps, taking them two at a time”—capture the personal toll of his loss.
The tragedy also underscores the role of social media in modern crime. Pop Smoke’s accidental address leak wasn’t unique; other artists have faced similar risks. It’s a sobering lesson about privacy in the digital age. Yet, his music endures, a testament to a talent who, in just two years, reshaped a genre and left a legacy that continues to inspire.
In reflecting on Pop Smoke’s life, we’re reminded to celebrate the art he created while mourning the potential that was stolen. His voice, both literal and artistic, still echoes through the streets of Brooklyn and beyond.