Beyond the stage name, Pop Smoke was an enigma to many. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson, quickly rose to fame with his breakout hit, “Dior.” His unique style and flow captured the hearts of millions, but there was one question that continued to puzzle his fans: What was Pop Smoke’s last name? In this article, we’ll dive into the life and legacy of Pop Smoke, exploring his roots, his rise to fame, and the mysteries that surrounded him, including his last name. So, buckle up and join us as we unravel the truth behind the legend of Pop Smoke.
Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson, was a rising rapper from Brooklyn, New York, who gained fame with his drill music. He was tragically killed during a home invasion in February 2020 at the age of 20. Pop Smoke’s last name was Jackson, which he used as his stage name. He was known for his distinctive voice and style, and his music often addressed the challenges and realities of life in his community. Despite his untimely death, Pop Smoke’s legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and fans.
The Rise of Pop Smoke: Early Life and Career
Early Years in Brooklyn
Family Background and Influences
Born as Bashar Barakah Jackson on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York, Pop Smoke grew up in a close-knit family with Jamaican and Panamanian roots. His mother, Juditha Jackson, was a nurse, while his father, Greg Jackson, worked as a gym owner and boxing coach. The diverse cultural influences of his upbringing would later play a significant role in shaping Pop Smoke’s musical style and identity.
First Encounters with Music
At a young age, Pop Smoke was introduced to music through his father’s love for reggae and dancehall. He began experimenting with his own musical interests, taking inspiration from various genres, including hip-hop, drill, and grime. In interviews, Pop Smoke often credited his parents for their support in his artistic pursuits, noting that they encouraged him to explore his passion for music from a early age.
During his early years in Brooklyn, Pop Smoke honed his craft by participating in local freestyle sessions and collaborating with other aspiring artists. It was during this time that he began to develop his unique style, blending elements of drill and grime with his own distinctive flow. This fusion of sounds would later become a hallmark of his music, helping to establish him as one of the most innovative and exciting voices in the drill scene.
The Journey to Stardom
Collaborations and Mixtapes
In the early stages of his career, Pop Smoke gained recognition for his work in the drill music scene. He released several mixtapes that showcased his unique style and sound, which blended elements of drill, rap, and hip-hop. His first mixtape, “Sumo,” was released in 2018 and featured his breakout hit “Trappin.”
Pop Smoke quickly became known for his distinctive flow and lyrics that spoke to his experiences growing up in Brooklyn. He collaborated with other up-and-coming artists in the drill scene, including 50 Cent and Nicki Minaj, which helped to further boost his profile.
Breaking into the Mainstream
As Pop Smoke’s popularity continued to grow, he signed with Victor Victor World, a subsidiary of Republic Records, in 2019. His debut studio album, “POP SMOKE,” was released in July 2019 and featured hits like “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior.”
The album’s success caught the attention of major labels, and Pop Smoke eventually signed with Republic Records in 2020. He continued to release music, including the mixtape “Meet the Woo 2” and the singles “Snitching” and “Mood Swings.”
Despite his rising success, Pop Smoke’s career was cut short when he was killed during a home invasion in February 2020. His untimely death sent shockwaves through the music industry and left fans mourning the loss of a promising young talent.
Pop Smoke’s Impact on Hip-Hop and Pop Culture
Musical Style and Influence
Pop Smoke’s musical style was a significant influence on the hip-hop and pop culture of his time. He was known for his unique blend of trap rap and emo rap, which helped to define the sound of the Brooklyn drill movement.
Trap Rap and Emo Rap
Pop Smoke’s music was heavily influenced by trap rap, a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in the southern United States. Trap rap is characterized by its dark, atmospheric beats and lyrics that often focus on drug dealing, violence, and life in the inner city. Pop Smoke’s music incorporated elements of trap rap, but he also drew inspiration from emo rap, a subgenre of hip-hop that emphasizes emotional expression and vulnerability.
Pop Smoke’s unique blend of trap rap and emo rap helped to create a new sound that was both hard-hitting and emotionally raw. His music spoke to a generation of young people who were looking for a more authentic representation of their experiences and feelings.
Dior Gang and Brooklyn Drill
In addition to his musical style, Pop Smoke was also known for his affiliation with the Dior Gang, a group of like-minded artists and producers who were pushing the boundaries of hip-hop and pop culture. The Dior Gang’s music was characterized by its dark, moody beats and lyrics that explored themes of love, loss, and self-doubt.
Pop Smoke’s music was a key part of the Brooklyn drill movement, a subgenre of hip-hop that emerged from the streets of New York City. Brooklyn drill is characterized by its hard-hitting beats and lyrics that often focus on life in the inner city. Pop Smoke’s music helped to define the sound of Brooklyn drill and inspired a new generation of artists to explore the genre’s potential.
Overall, Pop Smoke’s musical style and influence were significant factors in the rise of trap rap, emo rap, and Brooklyn drill. His music spoke to a generation of young people who were looking for a more authentic representation of their experiences and feelings, and his legacy continues to inspire new artists to push the boundaries of hip-hop and pop culture.
Fashion and Personal Style
Pop Smoke was known for his unique fashion sense and personal style, which had a significant impact on hip-hop and pop culture. He was known for his love of sportswear and bold accessories, which he often incorporated into his stage outfits and everyday wear.
Sportswear and Bold Accessories
One of the defining elements of Pop Smoke’s fashion sense was his love of sportswear. He was often seen wearing athletic brands such as Nike and Adidas, and he was known for his fondness for oversized silhouettes and statement sneakers. He also had a fondness for bold accessories, such as chunky gold chains and statement watches, which he would often wear layered with his sportswear.
The Dior Obsession
Another key aspect of Pop Smoke’s personal style was his love of the fashion house Dior. He was often seen wearing Dior clothing and accessories, and he frequently incorporated the brand’s iconic logo into his stage outfits and music videos. He was also known for his love of Dior’s sneakers, which he would often wear with his sportswear and other clothing.
Overall, Pop Smoke’s impact on fashion and personal style was significant, and his influence can still be seen in hip-hop and pop culture today. He was known for his love of sportswear and bold accessories, as well as his fondness for the fashion house Dior. His unique sense of style helped to establish him as a fashion icon in the music industry, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans.
Pop Smoke’s Tragic Death and Its Aftermath
The Shooting Incident
On February 19, 2020, Pop Smoke was fatally shot during a home invasion in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles. The incident occurred at around 4:30 am, when a group of masked intruders broke into the house where Pop Smoke was staying with others.
Details of the Event
According to reports, the intruders forced their way into the house through a door that was not locked. They were armed with guns and demanded that everyone in the house lay on the floor. Pop Smoke, who was in the living room at the time, was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. The intruders reportedly stole cash and other valuables before fleeing the scene.
Police later arrested several individuals in connection with the shooting, including the alleged mastermind of the crime, who was reportedly a former friend of Pop Smoke. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities are still searching for additional suspects.
Public Reactions and Tributes
Pop Smoke’s death was met with widespread shock and sadness, both within the music industry and among his fans. Many celebrities and fellow musicians took to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to the young rapper. His music also saw a surge in popularity in the weeks following his death, with many fans discovering his music for the first time and sharing their favorite tracks on social media.
Posthumous Releases and Continued Success
After Pop Smoke’s untimely death, his legacy continued to thrive through the release of his posthumous albums. The first of these was his debut studio album, “Faith, Hope, and Love,” which was released on July 31, 2020. The album featured hit singles such as “Dior” and “Enemies,” which solidified Pop Smoke’s status as a rising star in the rap industry.
The success of “Faith, Hope, and Love” was not limited to the United States; it gained international recognition and reached the top of the charts in several countries. The album’s critical acclaim further solidified Pop Smoke’s place in the world of rap and hip-hop, cementing his legacy as a talented artist with a bright future ahead of him.
Despite his untimely death, Pop Smoke’s influence continued to be felt in the music industry. His unique style and sound inspired a new generation of artists, many of whom have cited him as a major influence on their own music. In fact, his impact was so significant that he was posthumously awarded the Best New Artist award at the 2021 Grammy Awards, further solidifying his legacy as a groundbreaking artist in the world of rap and hip-hop.
The success of Pop Smoke’s posthumous releases not only solidified his legacy as a talented artist but also highlighted the impact that his music had on his fans and the music industry as a whole. It is clear that his legacy will continue to live on through his music and the countless artists who have been inspired by his work.
Unanswered Questions: The Mystery Behind Pop Smoke’s Last Name
Theories and Speculations
Family Background and Origins
One of the theories behind Pop Smoke’s last name is his family background and origins. It is possible that his last name was a reflection of his cultural identity or his family’s history. Pop Smoke was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jamaican mother and a Panamanian father. His parents immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities, and it is possible that their respective cultures and heritages influenced Pop Smoke’s decision to keep his last name private.
Changing Stage Name
Another theory behind Pop Smoke’s last name is his decision to change his stage name. Pop Smoke was originally known as Bashar Barakah Jackson, but he later changed his stage name to Pop Smoke. It is possible that he kept his last name private to maintain a level of anonymity and separate his personal life from his public persona. Additionally, Pop Smoke may have chosen to keep his last name private to avoid potential legal issues or disputes related to his stage name.
Personal Preferences and Secrets
Lastly, it is possible that Pop Smoke simply preferred to keep his last name private. As a private person, Pop Smoke was known to keep his personal life out of the public eye. He was not one to share personal details about his life, and it is possible that he chose to keep his last name private as a way to maintain his privacy. Additionally, it is possible that Pop Smoke had secrets or information that he did not want to be made public, and keeping his last name private was a way to protect himself and his loved ones.
The Importance of Pop Smoke’s Last Name: Identity and Authenticity
The Significance of Names in Hip-Hop Culture
- In hip-hop culture, names hold significant meaning and serve as an essential part of an artist’s identity.
- Artists often choose stage names that reflect their personal experiences, upbringing, or cultural background.
- Names can also convey a specific persona or image that an artist wants to portray to their audience.
- Some hip-hop artists, like Pop Smoke, adopt names that are more abstract or symbolic, representing their unique style or message.
- The authenticity of an artist’s name is crucial in building credibility and trust with their audience.
- A genuine name can help an artist connect with their listeners on a deeper level, fostering a sense of relatability and trust.
- In contrast, a stage name that is perceived as inauthentic or misleading can harm an artist’s reputation and hinder their success.
- For example, if an artist’s real name is not aligned with their music or image, it may create confusion or skepticism among their audience.
- Ultimately, the significance of names in hip-hop culture underscores the importance of identity and authenticity in the genre.
- Hip-hop artists must carefully select and present their names to establish a genuine connection with their audience and build a lasting legacy in the industry.
The Relevance of Pop Smoke’s Last Name Today
The Need for Transparency
In today’s world, transparency is crucial in every aspect of life, and this holds true for celebrities as well. Fans of Pop Smoke are entitled to know his real name and last name, as it is an essential part of his identity. It is important to remember that Pop Smoke was not just a stage name but a persona created by the artist himself. His real name and last name are a significant part of his story and provide insight into his upbringing, culture, and background. By keeping his real name private, it can be argued that Pop Smoke’s legacy is not being honored in its entirety.
Honoring Pop Smoke’s Legacy
In addition to the need for transparency, knowing Pop Smoke’s last name is also essential in honoring his legacy. Pop Smoke’s music and persona have left a lasting impact on the world of hip-hop and beyond. By keeping his real name and last name private, it can be argued that his legacy is not being fully acknowledged. Pop Smoke’s music spoke to millions of people around the world, and his impact on the genre of hip-hop should be recognized and celebrated in its entirety.
Pop Smoke’s Last Name: A Final Word
The question of Pop Smoke’s last name has been a topic of discussion among his fans and the general public. While some believe that his real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson, others argue that his stage name was simply a moniker he adopted. In reality, the true answer to this question may never be known for certain.
However, it is important to note that Pop Smoke’s music and his impact on the hip-hop scene transcend his last name. He was a talented artist who inspired many with his lyrics and style, and his legacy will continue to live on through his music.
Despite the mystery surrounding his last name, Pop Smoke’s contributions to the world of hip-hop are undeniable. He was a rising star in the genre, and his untimely death at the age of 20 was a great loss to the music industry.
Ultimately, whether or not we know Pop Smoke’s last name is not as important as celebrating his life and the music he left behind. His influence on the hip-hop world will continue to be felt for years to come, and his memory will live on through his art.
FAQs
1. Who was Pop Smoke?
Pop Smoke was a rising rapper from Brooklyn, New York, who gained fame with his drill music and energetic stage presence. Born as Bashar Barakah Jackson, he started his music career in 2018 and quickly made a name for himself in the drill scene.
2. When did Pop Smoke pass away?
Pop Smoke was tragically killed on February 19, 2020, during a home invasion in Los Angeles. He was only 20 years old at the time of his death.
3. What was Pop Smoke’s last name?
Pop Smoke’s last name was Jackson. He was born Bashar Barakah Jackson and later adopted the stage name Pop Smoke.
4. How did Pop Smoke get his stage name?
Pop Smoke got his stage name from his childhood nickname “Pops” combined with his love for smoking. He often smoked cigars and referred to himself as “Pops” or “Popsmoke” in his music.
5. What was Pop Smoke’s impact on the music industry?
Pop Smoke had a significant impact on the music industry, particularly in the drill scene. His unique style and energy inspired many up-and-coming artists, and his music continues to influence the genre today. Despite his untimely death, Pop Smoke’s legacy lives on through his music and the impact he had on the industry.