Today we honor Bashar Barakah Jackson, aka Pop Smoke, deceased rapper and Brooklyn native. He was shot and killed on February 19, 2020, at 20 years old. His breakout hit “Welcome To The Party” spread rapidly through New York City, becoming one of hip-hop’s 2019 songs of the summer according to the New York Times. He followed up this success with hits like “Dior” and “GATTI;” he was on top of the New York rap game and gaining worldwide popularity, garnering the attention of industry leaders like 50 Cent, Travis Scott, and Quavo. He made himself known through his entrancing voice and his love for supporting other up and coming NYC rappers. The positive impact he had on the Brooklyn music scene and community far outweighs rumors that were brought up after his death.
Pop Smoke created a special brand, describing himself and those he associated with as “Woo,” which he explained was a label for Black men who carried themselves with dignity and moved like kings. Pop Smoke took “Woo” from the hood and turned it into a global phenomenon, effectively starting a new narrative for young Black men and cementing himself as a role model. In an interview with Complex, Pop Smoke explained, “Woo means flossy. That’s the definition of Woo. You’re flossing, wearing designer sh*t, buying all this jewelry, feeding your family, helping these kids get better educations. It ain’t no gang … There’s people everywhere that’s Woo. You got Woo doctors, Woo teachers, Woo technicians, Woo engineers. We’re everywhere.”
Now, amid Black Lives Matter protests, his legacy lives on as protesters unite in the streets of New York City, singing the lyrics of “Dior,” and it has been regarded as the “NYC protest anthem.” With so much influence and infinite potential, we recognize that his life was taken away far too soon. His posthumous album, “Forever Woo” is scheduled to release July 3. The Living Legends Foundation would like to take this moment to say R.I.P. to Pop Smoke.
Legends are defined by their work and how it impacts the culture. We remember Pop Smoke so others don’t forget. #livinglegendsfoundation30 #blackmusicmonth #culturecreator #rootedinblackmusic