When it comes to modern rap music, Pop Smoke was a name that rose to fame at lightning speed, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. Known for his deep voice, raw energy, and trendsetting style, Pop Smoke brought the Brooklyn drill scene to global attention. Sadly, his career and life were cut short, leaving millions of fans worldwide in shock. Even though he is no longer with us, people still search for details about his life, his music, and his influence—often starting with questions like “What was Pop Smoke’s age when he died?”
Born as Bashar Barakah Jackson, Pop Smoke quickly became an icon for his generation. His unique sound, combined with his signature Pop Smoke braids and fashion-forward image, made him stand out in a competitive music industry. Songs like “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior” became anthems, not only dominating the charts but also shaping the sound of modern hip-hop.
Tragically, his life ended in 2020 when he was just 20 years old. Despite his short career, he achieved remarkable success, leaving behind a legacy that continues to grow and evolve. His gravesite has become a place where fans pay tribute, and his posthumous releases continue to top the charts. Many are curious about how Pop Smoke died, what he accomplished during his life, and what made him such a powerful influence in music and fashion.
In this article, we will delve into Pop Smoke’s biography, early life, career, net worth, personal life, hobbies, and enduring legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone discovering his music for the first time, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the music.
Who Is Pop Smoke?
Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York, was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter best known for pioneering the Brooklyn drill movement. With his charismatic personality, deep voice, and gritty lyrics, he captured the attention of both underground and mainstream audiences.
Raised in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn, Pop Smoke’s upbringing influenced his street-oriented yet stylish image. He blended drill beats with catchy hooks, giving his songs a universal appeal. His breakthrough came in 2019 with the release of “Welcome to the Party,” a track that quickly went viral and received remixes from major artists, including Nicki Minaj and Skepta.
Following that success, his debut mixtapes Meet the Woo (2019) and Meet the Woo 2 (2020) solidified his place as one of hip-hop’s fastest-rising stars. His collaborations with artists like Travis Scott, Quavo, and 50 Cent helped expand his audience beyond New York.
Unfortunately, on February 19, 2020, Pop Smoke was shot and killed during a home invasion in Los Angeles, California. His death shocked the music world, cutting short the life of an artist many believed would dominate the industry for years. Despite this, his posthumous album Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon became a massive commercial success, proving that his influence remains strong.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Bashar Barakah Jackson |
| Stage Name | Pop Smoke |
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1999 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Date of Death | February 19, 2020 |
| Age at Death | 20 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American & Panamanian descent |
| Profession | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 73 kg (160 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million at time of death |
| Relationship Status | Single at the time of death |
| Known For | Brooklyn drill music, Welcome to the Party, Dior |
Early Life and Background
Pop Smoke grew up in Canarsie, a neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its close-knit yet tough environment. His mother, of Jamaican descent, and his father, of Panamanian descent, raised him with strong cultural roots.
As a child, Pop Smoke was interested in sports and initially pursued a career in basketball. He attended several schools, including private institutions, but faced challenges with academics and discipline. In high school, he played basketball as both a shooting guard and point guard, to pursue a career in sports before transitioning to music.
His nickname “Pop Smoke” came from a combination of “Poppa” (a name given to him by his Panamanian grandmother) and “Smoke” (a name from his childhood friends).
By his late teens, Pop Smoke had already been exposed to New York’s vibrant hip-hop culture. Influenced by artists like 50 Cent and DMX, he decided to try making music in 2018—and the rest is history.
Personal Life and Relationships
Pop Smoke kept much of his personal life private, focusing mainly on his career. While rumors circulated about his dating life, no confirmed long-term relationships were made public.
Friends and collaborators described him as ambitious, loyal, and driven, with a natural charisma that drew people in. Outside of music, he was passionate about fashion, often seen wearing luxury brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Off-White.
Even though he passed away at a young age, Pop Smoke had already begun planning for the future, including potential business ventures and collaborations. His relationships with fellow artists, such as Quavo, Travis Scott, and 50 Cent, highlighted his ability to network and connect in the competitive music industry.
Career and Achievements
Pop Smoke’s career began in 2018 when he unexpectedly stepped into a music studio while accompanying a friend. Without prior rap experience, he recorded a track over a UK drill beat, sparking his passion for music. That same year, he released “MPR (Panic Part 3 Remix),” which gained attention in the underground drill scene.
His breakthrough came in April 2019 with “Welcome to the Party,” a gritty drill anthem that captured the raw energy of Brooklyn. The song quickly became a viral sensation, attracting remixes from Nicki Minaj and Skepta, helping introduce Pop Smoke to an international audience.
In July 2019, he released his debut mixtape “Meet the Woo”, which included hit tracks like Dior, further solidifying his presence in the rap world. Dior became a cultural phenomenon and was even played during protests in 2020 as a symbol of empowerment.
Pop Smoke’s second mixtape, “Meet the Woo 2”, dropped in February 2020 and debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200. It featured collaborations with Quavo, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, and Lil Tjay, showing his growing influence.
Sadly, just days after its release, Pop Smoke was killed during a home invasion in Los Angeles. However, his posthumous debut studio album, “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon” (executive-produced by 50 Cent), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and produced hits such as “The Woo” and “For the Night.” The album went on to be certified triple platinum, securing Pop Smoke’s legacy in the history of hip-hop.
Net Worth Overview
Although his career lasted less than two years, Pop Smoke amassed a substantial fortune through music sales, live performances, brand deals, and streaming revenue. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, a Figure that has continued to grow posthumously through ongoing album sales and licensing deals.
| Year | Net Worth | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
| 2021 | $2.5 million | $50,000 | $600,000 |
| 2022 | $3 million | $60,000 | $720,000 |
| 2023 | $3.4 million | $65,000 | $780,000 |
| 2024 | $3.8 million | $70,000 | $840,000 |
| 2025 | $4.2 million | $75,000 | $900,000 |
His music continues to generate royalties through streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Merchandise sales, licensing for films and commercials, and collaborations also contribute to his estate’s income.
Major Sources of Income
- Music Sales – Album and mixtape sales from projects like Meet the Woo and Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon.
- Streaming Revenue – Millions of streams from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
- Live Performances – Earnings from concerts, music festivals, and club appearances before his passing.
- Merchandise Sales – Branded clothing and accessories sold through official channels.
- Brand Collaborations – Partnerships with high-end fashion brands and streetwear labels.
- Licensing Deals – Songs featured in commercials, TV shows, and movies.
Pop Smoke’s Luxurious Lifestyle
Even at the start of his career, Pop Smoke embraced a luxurious lifestyle that reflected his success.
- High-End Fashion – He was often seen in Dior, Off-White, Louis Vuitton, and Amiri, making him a style icon.
- Jewelry Collection – Owned custom diamond chains, luxury watches, and grillz worth thousands of dollars.
- Exotic Cars – Loved high-performance vehicles like the BMW i8, Lamborghini Urus, and Range Rover.
- Travel – Frequently traveled for shows and vacations to destinations like London, Paris, and Los Angeles.
- Luxury Homes – Stayed in upscale Los Angeles mansions while working on his music.
Hobbies and Fun Facts
Despite his short life, Pop Smoke had a variety of hobbies and interesting facts that fans still love to talk about.
- Basketball Enthusiast – Played as a shooting guard in high school and often attended NBA games.
- Fashion Icon – Started trends like Pop Smoke braids that remain popular today.
- Pet Lover – Had a soft spot for dogs and often posted pictures with them.
- Cultural Influence – Helped bring UK drill beats into mainstream American rap.
- Workout Routine – Maintained an athletic build with regular gym sessions.
- Love for Dior – Dior wasn’t just a song title; it was his favorite brand.
- Nickname Origin – “Pop” from his grandma and “Smoke” from childhood friends.
- Cooking Skills – Enjoyed making Caribbean-inspired dishes from his Jamaican heritage.
- Philanthropy – Planned to start community programs for youth in Brooklyn.
- Legacy in Fashion – Inspired collaborations between drill music and luxury fashion houses.
Future Prospects
Although Pop Smoke is no longer alive, his influence and music continue to grow.
- Posthumous Releases – Potential for unreleased songs to be compiled into new albums.
- Merchandise Expansion – New clothing drops in collaboration with his estate.
- Documentaries – Plans for films exploring his life, music, and cultural impact.
- Tribute Concerts – Annual events celebrating his music in New York and worldwide.
- Continued Streaming Growth – His music continues to attract millions of new listeners every year.
Impact on Social Media
Pop Smoke had a strong social media presence, using platforms like Instagram to connect with fans.
- Instagram – Shared behind-the-scenes studio sessions, fashion fits, and travel photos.
- YouTube – Music videos regularly gained millions of views within days.
- TikTok – His songs became viral sounds, used in thousands of dance and lifestyle videos.
- Fan Tributes – Dedicated fan pages keep his memory alive, sharing old interviews and unreleased clips.
His online presence has only grown since his passing, transforming him into a cultural icon whose influence extends beyond music.
| Platform | Link |
| Wikipedia | Click here |
| Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old was Pop Smoke when he died?
Pop Smoke was 20 years old at the time of his death in February 2020.
2. When was Pop Smoke born?
He was born on July 20, 1999.
3. How did Pop Smoke die?
He was tragically killed during a home invasion in Los Angeles.
4. Where is Pop Smoke buried?
He is buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.
5. What was Pop Smoke’s biggest hit?
Dior and Welcome to the Party are among his most popular songs.
6. What was Pop Smoke’s net worth?
At the time of his death, it was estimated to be worth $2 million, with continued growth posthumously.
7. Did Pop Smoke play sports?
Yes, he was a talented basketball player in high school.
8. What genre of music is Pop Smoke known for?
He is best known for his contributions to the Brooklyn drill music genre.
9. Who were Pop Smoke’s musical influences?
Artists such as 50 Cent and DMX, as well as UK drill producers, have influenced his style.
10. What is Pop Smoke’s legacy?
He is remembered as a pioneer of Brooklyn drill and a style icon whose influence remains strong.
Conclusion
Pop Smoke’s story is one of rapid rise, undeniable talent, and tragic loss. At just 20 years old, he became one of the most recognizable voices in hip-hop, blending Brooklyn drill with mainstream appeal. His music, fashion sense, and cultural impact continue to inspire millions worldwide.
Though his life was short, his influence will last for generations. From the streets of Brooklyn to international stages, Pop Smoke proved that authenticity, talent, and vision can leave a permanent mark on the world. His legacy lives on through his music, his fans, and the unshakable sound of the Woo.
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