Pop Smoke’s Death and Its Impact
February 27, 2020
Rapper Bashar Barakah Jackson, known by his artist name “Pop Smoke”, died at the age of 20 during a home invasion on Wednesday, February 19th, 2020. He was staying at his residence in the Hollywood Hills in California.
Students in Leominster have been affected by his death tremendously.
“I bump his music everyday” said Senior Dhillon Wilde, “In the morning, on my way to hockey, on my way to school, all the time.”
Varsity Basketball player Skylar Finnegan said “Personally I think Pop Smoke was the best new artist, whenever you’re with friends it’s really hype and fun.”
Originally from New York, Pop Smoke was growing a legacy for modern day hip-hop. He recently dropped his mixtape, “Meet the Woo: Vol. 2”.
Pop Smokes fell under the prominent subgenre named “Drill” or “Grime”. It’s very popular in the United Kingdom, but made its way into the streets of New York in the past few years.
He recently signed under the Republic Records label along with the Victor Victor label.
In 2019, Pop Smoke released a single “Welcome to the Party’’ which became a very popular anthem in rap music. He had a song titled “War” with 18 year old rapper Lil Tjay and was also featured on the song “Gatti” by JACKBOYS.
Pop Smoke leaves behind his flavorful discography that will impact the lives of the youth.
Sharon Antocci • May 7, 2020 at 1:30 pm
I’m unfamiliar with “The Woo, Rapper, Bashar Barakah Jackson, Pop Smoke”, but am curios to see what his music is like now that I’ve been introduced to him. An untimely death is disturbing, especially when violence is involved for whatever reason. It was not only a waste of additional likable music whether or not for a great beat and/or healthy lyrics, but the waste of a human beings future life. My condolence goes out to the people affected by his loss.
I’m guessing I will enjoy the beat of Pop Smoke’s music, because it sounds like it would be energetic music to workout to. Even though it is more popular with people younger than myself, you students have kept me young as I hussle through the corridors with you!
Now that I have grandchildren though, I definitely tune into the lyrics prior to introducing different types of music to them. I remember my then pre-teen son and daughter questioning me when I commented on liking a certain song playing on our radio years ago! They knew very well it was the beat I was liking and not the lyrics because of the way I had raised them. They caught me once, so I’d better not set myself up to be reprimand in front of my grandchildren. How embarrassing would that be? I try to listen to music that will be a good influence on all three of our generations now.
Pop Smoke’s music reminds me of the “Beatles”, who were popular during my teenage years, seeing as though his music was well liked in the United Kingdom prior to being enjoyed as much in America.
I do have to admit that I did find the image of Pop Smoke’s head in the midst of a vape cloud concerning because of the health risks associated with vaping. I am hoping that individuals will make wise choices concerning usage of such. I know different people have different beliefs, but mine is that I have been given one life to live, and I choose to live it as healthy as possible in mind, body, and spirit. My best wishes to you all to find something possitive in each day no matter how small!