Pop Smoke

Bashar Barakah Jackson, widely known by his stage name Pop Smoke, emerged from the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, to become one of the most influential figures in modern rap. Born in 1999, his journey into music began relatively late, but his unmistakable raspy voice and commanding delivery quickly captured the attention of local audiences.

In 2019, he catapulted to mainstream prominence with the release of his breakout hit singles “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior.” These tracks showcased his deep, resonant vocal style paired with heavy, menacing beats that immediately resonated with fans and critics alike, setting a new benchmark for New York hip-hop.

Pop Smoke played a key role in popularizing the Brooklyn drill subgenre by fusing traditional East Coast sensibilities with the sonic characteristics of UK drill production. Working closely with international producers, he embraced the minimalist yet aggressive instrumentation of the UK scene, successfully bridging transatlantic sounds and creating a fresh, distinct identity for local rap.

Tragically, his life was cut short in February 2020 at the age of twenty, just as his career reached new heights. Despite his untimely death, his posthumous debut studio album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and cemented his enduring legacy, proving that his impact on the genre would continue to inspire artists worldwide for years to come.