Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson in Brooklyn, rose to fame with his breakout single, "Welcome to the Party." He blended UK drill and NYC hip-hop, creating a unique sound that influenced many artists. His debut mixtape, "Meet the Woo," launched in 2019, featured hits like "Dior," which became an anthem during the Black Lives Matter protests. Tragically, Pop Smoke's life was cut short in 2020, but his legacy lives on through posthumous albums and unreleased tracks. His impact on hip-hop continues to inspire a new generation, so you won't want to miss what else there is to learn.
Key Takeaways
- Born Bashar Barakah Jackson in Brooklyn, Pop Smoke rose to fame with his breakout single "Welcome to the Party" in 2019.
- He pioneered the Brooklyn drill sound, blending UK drill with NYC hip-hop, influencing a new wave of artists.
- Pop Smoke's posthumous album "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, solidifying his legacy.
- His hit "Dior" became an anthem during the Black Lives Matter protests, showcasing its cultural significance.
- Tragically murdered in 2020, Pop Smoke's music and impact continue to inspire future generations of hip-hop artists.
Introduction
Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson, is a pivotal figure in the modern hip-hop landscape. Hailing from Brooklyn, he emerged with a unique sound that blended New York swagger and UK drill influences. His breakout single, "Welcome to the Party," released in April 2019, marked just the beginning of his rapid rise in the music industry. Following this success, his debut mixtape, "Meet the Woo," released on July 26, 2019, showcased his distinctive style and solidified his role in popularizing Brooklyn drill music globally.
Tragically, Pop Smoke's life was cut short when he was murdered during a home invasion on February 19, 2020. His untimely death left a profound hole in the hip-hop community, but his impact continues to resonate. Posthumously, his album "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon" debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, further cementing his legacy. With over 400 unreleased songs, Pop Smoke's influence in the genre remains strong, ensuring that his artistry continues to thrive even after his passing.
Born in Brooklyn, New York
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Bashar Barakah Jackson's early life was shaped by the vibrant culture and challenges of his surroundings. Growing up in the Canarsie neighborhood, he was raised in a multicultural household with a Jamaican mother and a Panamanian father. This diverse background provided him with a rich cultural tapestry that influenced his music and identity.
During his childhood, Pop Smoke attended nine different schools, a reflection of his turbulent upbringing. He faced significant challenges, including being expelled from eighth grade for bringing a gun to school, which led to two years of house arrest. These experiences could've derailed him, but instead, they fueled his determination.
Throughout these struggles, Bashar found solace in music. Initially, he played African drums in church, which laid the foundation for his later passion for rap. As a teenager, he honed his skills, drawing inspiration from his environment and experiences. The challenges he faced became integral to his artistic expression, ultimately shaping Pop Smoke into an iconic figure in the music world. His journey from a troubled youth in Brooklyn to a rap sensation is a testament to his resilience and talent.
Influenced Modern Hip-Hop Sound
Transforming the landscape of modern hip-hop, Bashar Barakah Jackson, known as Pop Smoke, pioneered the Brooklyn drill sound, seamlessly blending UK drill elements with the raw energy of New York's hip-hop scene. His breakout single, "Welcome to the Party," became an anthem for NYC, establishing him as a key figure in the drill movement. This track not only captured the city's energy but also led to collaborations with heavyweights like Nicki Minaj and Travis Scott, further solidifying his place in the rap scene.
With the mixtape "Meet the Woo," Pop Smoke showcased his unique style, featuring the hit track "Dior." This song peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became emblematic of the drill genre's rise. Following his untimely death, the posthumous album "Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with all 19 tracks charting on the Billboard Hot 100, highlighting his enduring appeal.
Pop Smoke's influence is palpable in the work of emerging NYC rappers like Fivio Foreign, ensuring that his legacy within modern hip-hop continues to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to the life and career of Bashar Barakah Jackson, commonly known as Pop Smoke, fans often have a lot of questions. One popular inquiry is about his rise in the Brooklyn drill scene. He shot to fame with his breakout single "Welcome to the Party," which played a significant role in popularizing the genre. His debut mixtape, "Meet the Woo," released in July 2019, featured the hit track "Dior," which peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing his status in the hip-hop scene.
Tragically, Pop Smoke's life was cut short when he was murdered during a home invasion in February 2020. This shocking event led to the arrest of five suspects, shedding light on the violence that can permeate the music industry. Despite his untimely death, his legacy lives on. His posthumous album, "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with all 19 tracks charting on the Billboard Hot 100. His family also established a youth foundation to inspire underserved communities, ensuring his influence continues.
Listen to "Dior" Now
Dive into the infectious energy of Pop Smoke's hit track "Dior," a song that's become a defining anthem in hip-hop. Released as part of his debut mixtape "Meet The Woo," this track peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Pop Smoke's first solo hit. With its catchy hook and hard-hitting beat, "Dior" showcases the unique blend of Brooklyn drill and melodic elements, introducing the UK drill sound to a wider audience.
The song's popularity surged during the Black Lives Matter protests, where it became a powerful soundtrack for social activism. Its resonance with listeners reflects not just its musical appeal but also the cultural significance it holds. "Dior" has amassed hundreds of millions of streams, solidifying its status as one of Pop Smoke's most iconic tracks.
Following his untimely death, "Dior" experienced a resurgence, highlighting Pop Smoke's lasting impact on the music industry. His legacy continues to inspire emerging artists, proving that the essence of his artistry lives on through tracks like this. So, turn up the volume and let "Dior" take you on a ride through the vibrant world of Pop Smoke.
Conclusion
Pop Smoke's impact on the music scene goes far beyond his chart-topping hits like "Dior." His unique sound and artistic vision have left an indelible mark on hip-hop, influencing a new generation of artists. Emerging from the Brooklyn drill scene, Pop Smoke's music career skyrocketed before his untimely death in 2020, but his legacy continues to thrive through posthumous releases and tributes.
His album "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon" debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, showcasing his profound influence on the music industry. With all 19 tracks charting on the Billboard Hot 100, it's clear that Pop Smoke's cultural impact resonates deeply with fans. The song "Dior" became an anthem during the Black Lives Matter protests, reflecting his connection to social movements.
To honor his memory, the "Shoot for the Stars" foundation was established, aiming to inspire underprivileged youth through music and community support. With approximately 400 unreleased songs confirmed, Pop Smoke's influence will persist, reminding us that his legacy is far from over. His artistry continues to shape the future of hip-hop, ensuring he remains a vital part of the genre's evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was Pop Smoke's Real Name?
Pop Smoke's real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson. You might find it interesting that his unique stage name was inspired by his childhood nickname, reflecting his personality and the energy he brought to the music scene.
How Did Pop Smoke Die?
Pop Smoke died tragically in a home invasion on February 19, 2020. Intruders broke in, and despite attempts to escape, he was shot multiple times. His untimely death shocked fans and the music community alike.
Did Pop Smoke Have Any Children?
Yes, Pop Smoke had a son named Jason, born in 2020. He often expressed his love for his child and aimed to provide a better life, showcasing his dedication to fatherhood throughout his career.
What Awards Did Pop Smoke Receive Posthumously?
After his passing, you'll find that Pop Smoke received several posthumous awards, including the American Music Award for Favorite Hip-Hop Song and a Billboard Music Award, highlighting his impact and lasting influence on the music industry.
Which Artists Collaborated With Pop Smoke?
Pop Smoke collaborated with several notable artists, including Quavo, Lil Baby, and DaBaby. You'll find their unique styles blended into his tracks, enhancing his sound and showcasing his versatility in the music industry.
