June 27, 2024
As the eldest member of the global K-pop group TWICE, Im Nayeon embodies big sister energy: she's protective, loving, and playful. Her playful nature sometimes leads to spoilers, much to the...
Read moreJune 24, 2024
In a world often divided by strife and discord, Lake Street Dive emerges with their eighth studio album, "Good Together," a jubilant testament to the power of joy and unity in music. Scheduled for...
Read moreJune 24, 2024
Kygo, the maestro of summer vibes, returns with his self-titled album just in time to soundtrack your sun-soaked days. Released to coincide with the summer solstice, this album reaffirms Kygo's...
Read moreJune 24, 2024
Luna Shadows has finally unveiled her long-awaited LP, "bathwater," a deeply personal journey through emotion and memory. Released independently on June 21st, this album marks a significant...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Remi Wolf, known for her vibrant and eclectic musical style, has released a new single titled "Motorcycle," featuring the talents of Kenny Beats, Leon Michels, and The Dap-Kings. Released on...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Lava La Rue, former Dork cover star and acclaimed London-based artist, has announced the release of their debut album, STARFACE, set to drop on June 21st, 2024, via Dirty Hit. This announcement is...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Jelani Aryeh’s highly anticipated album, The Sweater Club, dropped today, delivering exactly what fans have been eagerly awaiting. At 24, the San Diego native has already taken the indie-pop world...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Sony Music's recent announcement to acquire the majority of Queen's music catalogue, along with various other rights, signifies a monumental deal valued at approximately £1 billion...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Nigerian superstar Rema has made an electrifying return with his new track, "Benin Boys," marking his first musical release of 2024. This collaboration with Shallipopi is a significant moment for...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Alicia Keys, born Alicia Augello Cook on January 25, 1981, in New York City, is an artist whose influence and talent have transcended musical genres and generations. With her powerful voice...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Armaan Malik, born on July 22, 1995, in Mumbai, India, is a name that resonates with melody, versatility, and youthful charm. As one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Indian music...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian music, a new artist is making waves with his fresh sound and heartfelt lyrics. Mitraz, an emerging star in the Indian pop music scene, has captivated...
Read morePhoto Source: NY Times
Pop Smoke had a brief but impactful career. Born Bashar Barakah Jackson on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York, Pop Smoke quickly rose to prominence as a dynamic and versatile rapper, blending elements of drill, hip-hop, and trap to create a sound that was unique and never heard before. Sadly, Pop’s life was cut short on February 19th, 2020, when he was killed in a home invasion by a robber looking to steal his chains.
Pop Smoke burst onto the scene with his breakout single "Welcome to the Party" in 2019, which showcased his gritty lyrics, deep voice, and unique flow. The track became an anthem of sorts for a new generation, propelling him into the spotlight and setting the stage for what would become a promising career. His music, often characterized by its raw energy and aggressive beats, spoke to the realities of street life, creating a sense of authenticity that listeners connected with.
Pop Smoke's debut mixtape, "Meet the Woo," was released in 2019 and solidified his place as a rising star. Its success paved the way for the sequel, "Meet the Woo 2," which dropped in early 2020 and showcased his evolving sound and artistic growth. He passed away a few weeks after the release of his second studio album. After his death, the album “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for The Moon” was released on July 20th, 2020. The album “Faith” was then released on July 16th, 2021, no new music by Pop Smoke has been released since.
With Pop Smoke’s trademark deep voice and charismatic presence, he effortlessly embodied the essence of modern hip-hop culture. His ability to mix his tough exterior with vulnerability in his lyrics created a versatile artist who resonated with a wide range of fans.
In his short time in the spotlight, Pop Smoke managed to achieve what many artists aspire to accomplish over a lifetimeAs we remember Pop Smoke, it's important not only to celebrate his music but also to reflect on the potential that was tragically snuffed out. He serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have.
Pop’s impact on the music industry was short but immense. His music has inspired millions and even started a new sound to drill rap. His legacy will forever be remembered by others as they continue to use Pop’s influence to carry through their music.