Life
Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson on July 20, 1999, was raised in Canarsie, Brooklyn, where his roots reflected a blend of cultures his mother was Jamaican, and his father Panamanian. Growing up, he had a deep connection to rhythm and music, even playing African drums at his local church as a kid. Life in Brooklyn wasn't always easy he attended multiple schools and faced early challenges, including legal trouble in his teens.
Initially drawn to basketball, Pop had serious potential on the court. He moved to Philadelphia to attend Rocktop Academy, aiming for a sports career. But after being diagnosed with a heart condition, that path was cut short. With his sports dreams behind him, he returned to New York and eventually turned to the streets a move that would unknowingly lead him toward music and stardom.
Career
Pop Smoke's music journey started almost by accident in 2018 when he jumped on the mic during a studio session with friend Jay Gwuapo. Inspired by a beat from producer 808Melo, he recorded his first track, "MPR." His unique name came from two personal nicknames—"Poppa" from his grandmother and "Smocco Guwop" from friends—blending into the identity fans would come to know.
In early 2019, Pop dropped “Welcome to the Party,” a gritty Brooklyn drill anthem that exploded online. With remixes from Nicki Minaj and Skepta, the track put him on the map. He quickly followed up with his debut mixtape Meet the Woo, and within months, he was working with big names like Lil Tjay and Travis Scott. His feature on “Gatti” with Scott's JackBoys gave him his first Billboard Hot 100 entry.
Just weeks before his death in 2020, Pop released Meet the Woo 2, featuring artists like Quavo and A Boogie. The project debuted in the Billboard top 10, showing his fast-rising influence. He was set to headline his first international tour—but his story was tragically cut short before he could take that next step.
Legacy
Though his career was brief, Pop Smoke left an undeniable mark on hip-hop. As one of the leading voices of Brooklyn drill, he helped bring a raw, energetic sound from the streets of New York to the global stage. His music influenced a wave of new artists and gave drill a fresh identity, blending UK-inspired beats with his signature deep voice and commanding flow.
After his passing in 2020, Pop's team released the posthumous album Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, executive produced by 50 Cent. The album topped charts worldwide and proved his potential as a future legend. A year later, Faith followed, expanding his sound and further showing the range he was only beginning to explore. His legacy lives on through his music, his influence on fashion and culture, and the love fans continue to show across the world.
