All-Time Best Pop Smoke Songs

Bashar Barakah Jackson (born July 20, 1999 – died February 19, 2020) was born in New York City, United States. He is an American rapper and actor. He is professionally known as Pop Smoke. He burst onto the music...Read More »

Pop Smoke Discography
DiscographyPop SmokeAmerican Rapper
Also known as
Bashar Jackson, Smoke Oh Guap, Bashar Barakah Jackson
416 views 27 tracks

Pop Smoke Bio & Journey

Bashar Barakah Jackson (born July 20, 1999 – died February 19, 2020) was born in New York City, United States. He is an American rapper and actor. He is professionally known as Pop Smoke. He burst onto the music scene in late 2018 with his debut single "MPR (Panic Part 3 Remix)" and quickly gained recognition with his breakout hits "Welcome to the Party" and "Dior" in 2019.

Pop Smoke's unique style was heavily influenced by UK drill artists and producers, who incorporated aggressive instrumentation that differentiated his sound from American drill artists from Chicago, effectively reintroducing the genre as Brooklyn drill.

Record producer Rico Beats introduced Pop Smoke to Steven Victor in April 2019, who eventually signed him to Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records. Pop Smoke's debut mixtape, Meet the Woo, was released in July 2019, and his second mixtape, Meet the Woo 2, dropped in February 2020, debuting at number seven on the Billboard 200, marking the rapper's first top-10 project in the United States.

Pop Smoke FAQs

How did Pop Smoke die?

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Pop Smoke was tragically killed during a home invasion in Hollywood Hills on February 19, 2020. He was only 20 years old. Four men broke into the rental home where he was staying, and he was shot during the robbery. Several people were later arrested and charged in connection with his murder.

What was Pop Smoke's real name?

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Pop Smoke's real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson. He was born on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York. He got the nickname 'Pop Smoke' from combining 'Papa' (what his grandmother called him) with 'Smoke Oh Guap' (a name his friends used).

What songs made Pop Smoke famous?

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Pop Smoke first blew up with 'Welcome to the Party' in 2019, which really put Brooklyn drill music on the map. Other huge hits include 'Dior,' 'What's Up,' and posthumously released tracks like 'For the Night' with Lil Baby and DaBaby, and 'Mood Swings' with Lil Tjay. His deep, gravelly voice and unique style made these tracks instant classics.

Where was Pop Smoke from in Brooklyn?

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Pop Smoke was from Canarsie, Brooklyn, specifically the Flatbush area. He grew up in East Flatbush and was really proud of representing Brooklyn and bringing attention to the borough's drill scene. He often referenced his Brooklyn roots in his music and was considered a key figure in putting New York drill on the mainstream map.

What albums did Pop Smoke release?

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Pop Smoke released two mixtapes while he was alive: 'Meet the Woo' (2019) and 'Meet the Woo 2' (2020). After his passing, his team released several posthumous projects including 'Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon' (2020), which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, and 'Faith' (2021). These albums featured unreleased tracks and collaborations with major artists.

Did Pop Smoke win any Grammy awards?

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Pop Smoke didn't win any Grammy awards, but he was nominated posthumously. His album 'Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon' received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2021. While he didn't win, the nomination was a recognition of his massive impact on hip-hop in such a short career.

What is Brooklyn drill music?

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Brooklyn drill is a subgenre of drill music that Pop Smoke helped popularize. It originated from Chicago drill but has a distinct New York flavor with harder, more aggressive beats often produced by UK drill producers. The music typically features dark, menacing instrumentals with heavy 808s and trap-influenced hi-hats. Pop Smoke's deep voice and melodic approach helped bring this underground sound to mainstream success.

Who are Pop Smoke's biggest collaborations?

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Pop Smoke worked with some huge names, especially on his posthumous releases. Major collaborations include 'For the Night' with Lil Baby and DaBaby, 'Mood Swings' with Lil Tjay, tracks with 50 Cent, Quavo, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, and Lil Wayne. He also had UK connections, working with producers like 808Melo who helped create his signature sound. These collabs helped cement his legacy after his passing.