Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson on July 20, 1999, was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Brooklyn, New York. He emerged as a leading figure in the Brooklyn drill scene, a genre that blends UK drill, grime, and Brooklyn hip-hop influences. Pop Smoke gained fame with his breakout single "Welcome to the Party" in 2019, which became a viral hit and was instrumental in bringing New York drill music to a wider audience.
His distinct deep voice and aggressive delivery, combined with the use of UK drill production (characterized by sliding 808s, gritty bass, and haunting melodies), helped him quickly rise in popularity. Pop Smoke released his debut mixtape "Meet the Woo" in 2019, followed by "Meet the Woo 2" in 2020, which debuted in the top 10 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.
Tragically, Pop Smoke's career was cut short when he was murdered during a home invasion in Los Angeles on February 19, 2020, at the age of 20. Despite his untimely death, his influence on music continued to grow. His posthumous debut studio album, "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon," was released in July 2020 and received widespread acclaim, propelling him to international stardom and further cementing his legacy in the hip-hop world. The album featured several hit singles and demonstrated his potential to transcend beyond the drill scene into mainstream hip-hop and other genres.
How did Pop Smoke impact the drill music scene?
Pop Smoke had a significant impact on the drill music scene, particularly in the context of Brooklyn drill, a variant of the drill music genre originally from Chicago. His distinctive deep voice, mastery of flow, and the integration of UK drill influences revitalized and reshaped the drill scene in New York City and beyond.
Pop Smoke's music, characterized by its aggressive lyricism and dark, gritty beats, often incorporated the minimalistic and haunting production style typical of UK drill, which he combined with American trap influences. This fusion came to define the Brooklyn drill sound. Tracks like "Welcome to the Party" and "Dior" became anthems, not only in New York but internationally, helping to spread the popularity of drill music globally.
His ability to bridge different cultures within his music, collaboration with UK artists and producers (such as 808Melo), and his innovation in beat selection played a key role in making drill music more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. Despite his career being tragically cut short, his influence persists in the drill genre, inspiring a new generation of artists and shaping the sound and direction of the music.
What was Pop Smoke's debut album?
Pop Smoke's debut album is titled "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon." It was released posthumously on July 3, 2020, following his untimely death in February of the same year. The album features a blend of drill, hip-hop, and rap, and showcases collaborations with a range of artists. It received widespread acclaim and commercial success, topping several charts around the world.
What was Pop Smoke's real name?
Pop Smoke's real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson.
What inspired Pop Smoke's unique musical style?
Pop Smoke's unique musical style was heavily inspired by the drill music scene, particularly Brooklyn drill, which itself is a derivative of Chicago drill. His music was characterized by its dark, grim beats and aggressive bass, which are typical of the drill style. Additionally, Pop Smoke was influenced by his New York City upbringing, which is evident in his gritty lyrical content and street narratives.
He also drew inspiration from UK drill, adapting its production styles and flows. UK producers, such as 808Melo, played a significant role in shaping his sound, bringing a distinctive twist to his tracks that helped differentiate him from other artists in the drill scene.
Moreover, Pop Smoke often cited 50 Cent and DMX as influences, which is reflected in his aggressive delivery and the themes of survival and strength in his music. His ability to blend different elements of these influences while adding his unique charisma and energy led to a fresh sound that resonated with a wide audience.
How did Pop Smoke address themes of loyalty and friendship in his lyrics?
Pop Smoke's lyrics often revolved around the themes of loyalty and friendship, which are common in his genre and reflected his personal experiences and views. In his music, he sometimes depicted the nuances and complexities of these themes within the context of his life in Brooklyn and the broader urban environment.
For instance, in songs like "Element," he talks about staying true to oneself and remembering one's roots. He often emphasized the importance of loyalty and trust within his inner circle, recognizing that such bonds were crucial for survival and success. Lyrics like "I'ma give him the whole clip, if you tell me you love me" from "Foreigner" illustrate his intense commitment to those he trusted.
Furthermore, Pop Smoke's collaborations with other artists often underlined his belief in solidarity and support within the music industry, showcasing a form of professional friendship and mutual respect. His music and public persona allowed him to express a strong connection with his peers, emphasizing the value of maintaining genuine and loyal relationships.
How old was pop smoke when he died?
Pop Smoke was 20 years old when he died on February 19, 2020.
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