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Preparing for the 11th Dimension: Reflections and New Beginnings

June 15, 2024

Believe it or not, it’s already been a decade since the SoundCloud rap era first ignited, and we’re seeing the lasting impact of the moshpit-dwelling artists who defined the movement...

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AURORA Ponders Life, Death, and the Heart in New Album

June 15, 2024

Norwegian alt-pop sensation AURORA is set to release her highly anticipated fifth album, "What Happened To The Heart?" Following a series of successful projects—2016's "All My Demons Greeting Me....

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Tate McRae: Dancing to the Beat of Her Drum

June 7, 2024

Tate McRae, born on July 1, 2003, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has swiftly risen to fame as one of the most exciting young talents in the music industry today...

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Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter": A Bold Reinvention in Music

June 7, 2024

Beyoncé has once again proven why she is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry with the release of her latest album, "Cowboy Carter."

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Revolutionizing Music Discovery: Spotify and Amazon Launch AI-Powered Playlists

June 7, 2024

In a bold move to redefine how we discover and interact with music, Spotify and Amazon Music have each introduced groundbreaking AI-powered playlist generators...

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Charli XCX admits that she “never really felt accepted” in the British music scene

June 7, 2024

Charli XCX has opened up about her early struggles in the British music scene, revealing that she often felt like an outsider whose innovative ideas were dismissed as "silly or childish."

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Ticketmaster's Data Breach: A Wake-Up Call for Cybersecurity in the Ticketing Industry

June 7, 2024

Ticketmaster, a leading ticket sales and distribution company, is currently under legal scrutiny due to a reported data breach, which has led to a class action complaint...

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Diddy Faces Potential Federal Grand Jury Trial: A Legal Storm Brewing for the Music Mogul

June 7, 2024

Sean 'Diddy' Combs, a prominent figure in the music industry and beyond, is potentially facing a significant legal challenge as reports indicate that the Department of Justice...

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Pop Conference 2024: Discussions on "Legacy, Music Collections, and Archives

June 7, 2024

The Pop Conference 2024 recently convened under the theme "Legacy, Music Collections, and Archives," offering attendees an in-depth exploration of the preservation and impact of musical legacies...

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Why House Music Is So Damn Good!

June 7, 2024

House music, with its infectious beats and feel-good vibes, is more popular than ever, especially among young people. But what makes house music so damn good?...

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Halsey reveals dual health diagnoses, debuts new song The End

June 7, 2024

Halsey has courageously shared her private battle with illness, revealing her journey through a series of Instagram videos that document her receiving medical infusions...

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The Role of Vory in Drake's "Mob Ties" Controversy

June 7, 2024

The hip-hop community is abuzz with renewed allegations that Drake uses ghostwriters, spurred by the recent leak of a reference track for his song "Mob Ties."

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Pop Smoke: A Rising Star Taken Too Soon

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Photo 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.