Known for his uniquely deep, gravelly voice, and his distinct contribution to the drill music genre, Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His untimely passing in February 2020 shocked the world, but his musical legacy continues to resonate with fans globally. This day, we delve into the life of Pop Smoke, exploring his early years, his meteoric rise to fame, and his impact on the music industry.
Net Worth: $2 Million
Salary: –
Date of Birth: Jul 20, 1999 – Feb 19, 2020
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York
Gender: Male
Profession: Rapper, Musician
Pop Smoke Early Life
Born on July 20, 1999, Pop Smoke hailed from Canarsie, Brooklyn, New York. His family has Panamanian and Jamaican roots, which cultivated a diverse cultural background for Pop Smoke. His moniker comes from “Papa,” a nickname given by his Panamanian grandmother, combined with “Smoke,” a nickname from his childhood friends.
Music was a significant part of Pop Smoke’s life from an early age. He was part of his church’s choir when he was younger, demonstrating his affinity for rhythm and melody. However, Pop Smoke’s journey to music stardom wasn’t straightforward. He was expelled from school in the eighth grade for bringing a gun and spent two years on house arrest following a weapons charge. During this time, he discovered his talent for songwriting and began focusing on music.
Pop Smoke Personal Life
While Pop Smoke was fiercely private about his personal life, what we do know paints a picture of a young man deeply connected to his roots and community. Raised in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn, Pop Smoke was known for his loyalty to his neighborhood and his desire to uplift those around him. He was said to be a devoted son and brother, and despite his growing fame, he never lost touch with his family or the values that shaped him.
A keen sports enthusiast, Pop Smoke was passionate about basketball. Before his music career took off, he had aspirations of becoming a professional basketball player, a dream that was sidelined due to a heart condition. However, his love for the sport remained, and he often used basketball metaphors in his lyrics.
His music was deeply reflective of his experiences growing up in Canarsie, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of his neighborhood. Despite his tough exterior, Pop Smoke was known for his charismatic personality, his infectious laughter, and his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Pop Smoke Career
Pop Smoke’s career, though brief, was a rocket ride to stardom. His music journey began in 2018 when he collaborated with UK drill producer 808Melo on the track “MPR.” His distinctive baritone voice over the hard-hitting drill beats was a game-changer, and it wasn’t long before he caught the attention of the music industry.
In 2019, he released his debut single “Welcome to the Party,” a track that became an instant hit, propelling him into the limelight. The song’s success led to remixes from high-profile artists like Nicki Minaj and Skepta, significantly boosting his visibility in the industry.
His debut mixtape, “Meet the Woo,” released in the same year, showcased his raw talent and his ability to deliver powerful, energetic performances. His sophomore mixtape, “Meet the Woo 2,” released just two weeks before his untimely death, debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200, cementing his status as a rising star in the rap industry.
Pop Smoke’s first studio album, “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon,” was released posthumously in July 2020. The album was a commercial and critical success, topping the Billboard 200 and featuring collaborations with notable artists like Quavo, Lil Baby, DaBaby, and Swae Lee.
Pop Smoke Rise to Fame
Pop Smoke’s rise in the music industry was nothing short of phenomenal. His breakout single, “Welcome to the Party,” was released in 2019, quickly becoming the anthem of the summer and gaining attention from prominent artists like Nicki Minaj and Skepta, who both released remixes of the track. His distinctive voice, coupled with his raw, energetic style, made him a standout figure in the Brooklyn drill music scene.
Following the success of his debut mixtape, “Meet the Woo,” Pop Smoke released his second mixtape, “Meet the Woo 2,” in February 2020. This project further solidified his status in the rap industry, peaking at number seven on the Billboard 200.
Pop Smoke Net Worth
Despite his short-lived career, Pop Smoke amassed significant wealth. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be around $2 million. His earnings came from his music sales, streaming revenue, and performances. However, his posthumous album, “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon,” released in July 2020, became a commercial success, peaking at number one on the Billboard 200 and becoming the longest-running hip-hop/R&B album in the top 10 since 1990. This undoubtedly led to a significant increase in his estate’s value.
Pop Smoke’s influence transcended his music. His fashion sense made him a style icon, and his catchphrase “Woo” became a cultural symbol. Despite his life being cut tragically short, Pop Smoke’s impact on music and popular culture is indelible. His unique blend of UK drill beats and New York rap lyrics, combined with his distinctive voice, has influenced countless artists and will continue to do so. Pop Smoke’s story is a testament to talent, resilience, and the profound impact one can have, even in a short span of time.
