Pop Smoke was 20 years old when he died on February 19, 2020. The rising American rapper and songwriter, whose real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson, was shot and killed during a home invasion at a rental property in the Hollywood Hills, California. Despite his career spanning less than two years in the mainstream spotlight, his distinct deep voice and pioneering role in the Brooklyn drill music scene left a permanent mark on modern hip-hop.
Understanding the timeline of his life requires looking beyond the tragic details of his final night. From his upbringing in Canarsie to his rapid ascent on the global charts, his journey reshaped contemporary rap music before it was abruptly halted.
Early Life and Rise in Canarsie
Born on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York, Bashar Jackson grew up in the Canarsie neighborhood. Raised by a Jamaican mother and a Panamanian father, he spent part of his youth attending various schools, including a brief stint at a military academy in Upstate New York before being expelled due to behavioral issues.
Music wasn't his initial focus; basketball played a major role in his early teens until a heart murmur forced him to stop playing competitively. He turned to the streets and local recording studios, finding his footing in the burgeoning New York drill movement.
- The Breakthrough: In late 2018, while hanging out in a Brooklyn studio, he stepped into the booth on a whim. The result was his debut single, "MPower Differently" (MPR), followed shortly by his breakout hit, "Welcome to the Party", released in April 2019.
- The Sound: Teaming up with British producer 808Melo, he combined the heavy, aggressive basslines of Chicago drill with the sliding 808s and skittering hi-hats characteristic of UK drill, forging a fresh sonic identity for New York City rap.
The Meteoric Trajectory of His Career
Pop Smoke's mainstream ascent happened at blinding speed. "Welcome to the Party" became an anthem of the summer, drawing remixes from Nicki Minaj and Skepta. Industry heavyweights took notice of his commanding baritone voice and natural charisma.
In July 2019, he released his debut commercial mixtape, Meet the Woo, which cemented his status as the leader of the new wave of Brooklyn hip-hop. He followed up with his second mixtape, Meet the Woo 2, in February 2020, just days before his death. The project featured high-profile collaborations with Quavo, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, and Fivio Foreign, debuting at number seven on the US Billboard 200.
The Night of February 19, 2020
The events unfolded in the early morning hours at a rented home in the Hollywood Hills. Pop Smoke had posted images and location details on social media earlier in the evening, unknowingly broadcasting his whereabouts.
Four masked intruders broke into the residence. According to trial testimonies, the confrontation escalated quickly over jewelry and personal items. Pop Smoke was shot multiple times and rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where medical staff pronounced him dead.
The investigation faced initial hurdles, but by July 2020, Los Angeles police arrested multiple suspects, including juveniles and adults. Subsequent legal proceedings concluded with convictions for homicide and robbery, bringing closure to the formal investigation years later.
Posthumous Success and Global Impact
The tragic irony of his death is that it occurred just as his commercial breakthrough was turning into global superstardom. Executive-produced by 50 Cent, his debut studio album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, dropped in July 2020.
The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and stayed near the top for weeks, driven by massive hits like "Dior" and "What You Know Bout Love". According to Billboard, the record made music history by becoming one of the most successful posthumous debut releases ever, spending multiple weeks atop the charts and cementing his artistic longevity.
Fellow musicians frequently cite him as a catalyst who modernized East Coast rap. Artists across genres adopted the sliding 808 production style that he popularized, proving that his creative blueprint outlived his short time in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pop Smoke born?
He was born on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York.
What was Pop Smoke's real name?
His legal name was Bashar Barakah Jackson.
What album was released after his death?
His debut studio album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, was released posthumously in July 2020 and became a multi-platinum global success.
How did the music industry respond to his passing?
Countless artists, including Drake, Travis Scott, 50 Cent, and Roddy Ricch, paid tribute to him, praising both his raw talent and his warm, welcoming personality behind the scenes.
