Pop Smoke’s life ended as fast as it exploded. In just over a year, the Brooklyn rapper went from a viral single to a global voice, only to be killed in a Los Angeles home invasion at age 20. Today, his music still defines a sound, but the legal case that followed his death has finally reached its last chapter.
Birth name: Bashar Barakah Jackson ·
Born: July 20, 1999 ·
Died: February 19, 2020 ·
Age at death: 20 ·
Origin: Brooklyn, New York
Quick snapshot
- Killed in a home-invasion robbery on February 19, 2020 (Los Angeles County District Attorney)
- Four individuals charged, including Corey Walker (Associated Press)
- Exact last words are not independently verified
- Final religious views at time of death
- Whether all legal proceedings have fully concluded with medium confidence
- Specific motives of each defendant beyond robbery
- February 19, 2020: Pop Smoke killed (Los Angeles Times)
- 2020: Charges filed (Los Angeles Times)
- 2023: First juvenile pleads guilty (Los Angeles Times)
- 2025: Corey Walker sentenced to 29 years (ABC7 Los Angeles)
- All known defendants now sentenced
- Pop Smoke’s musical legacy continues posthumously
Six key facts about Pop Smoke’s biography, one pattern: the contrast between a meteoric rise and a tragic end.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Bashar Barakah Jackson |
| Born | July 20, 1999 |
| Died | February 19, 2020 |
| Age | 20 |
| Genres | Hip hop, drill, trap |
| Labels | Victor Victor, Republic |
What were Pop Smoke’s last words before he died?
The precise last words spoken by Pop Smoke are not part of the official court record. According to reports from the Los Angeles Times, the rapper was fatally shot during a home-invasion robbery on February 19, 2020. Some media accounts have cited that he said “I’m not going to make it,” but these claims have not been independently verified by law enforcement or court documents.
How did Pop Smoke die?
- He was shot multiple times.
- The killing occurred during a home-invasion robbery at a Hollywood Hills residence.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney confirmed that the homicide was part of a robbery.
Who was arrested for Pop Smoke’s murder?
- Corey Walker and Keandre Rodgers (adult defendants)
- Two male juveniles, aged 15 and 17 at the time
In July 2020, the DA charged all four. One juvenile pleaded guilty in 2023 to involvement in the robbery and was sentenced to four years and two months. In February 2025, Corey Walker pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and received a 29-year prison sentence.
The implication: the legal chapter is closed, but the full account of what happened inside that home remains partially untold.
What did 50 Cent say about Pop Smoke’s death?
50 Cent, a veteran rapper and producer, publicly reacted to Pop Smoke’s murder. He expressed shock and later criticized the legal system after it was revealed that one of the suspects had been previously released. According to the Associated Press, 50 Cent has been vocal about the case’s handling. He also executive produced Pop Smoke’s posthumous album “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
50 Cent’s criticism of the legal system highlights a recurring pattern: suspects in high-profile crimes often have prior releases, leaving families and communities questioning accountability. In Pop Smoke’s case, one defendant had been released before the murder.
What other rappers paid tribute to Pop Smoke?
- Drake called him a “legend” on Instagram
- Many others honored him posthumously
FOX 11 Los Angeles covered the broad outpouring of grief from the hip-hop community.
What was Pop Smoke’s religion?
Pop Smoke was raised Muslim but later identified as Christian. His mother, Audrey Jackson, has stated in interviews that he grew up in a Muslim household but found his own path. The Los Angeles Times has reported on his background.
What was Pop Smoke’s ethnicity?
- He was of Jamaican and Panamanian descent.
- Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.
What was Pop Smoke’s real name?
- Bashar Barakah Jackson
The pattern: a young artist navigating multiple cultural and religious identities before his career took off.
Why was Pop Smoke’s voice so deep?
Pop Smoke’s deep, gravelly voice was a natural characteristic. He stood 6 feet 2 inches, and his baritone vocal tone became his signature. No medical condition has been reported. Rolling Stone noted his unique vocal style as a key element of his appeal.
Pop Smoke’s deep voice was not a gimmick but a natural asset that set him apart in a crowded genre. It became his sonic fingerprint, making tracks like “Dior” instantly recognizable. For young artists, it proves that authenticity can outweigh production polish.
How tall was Pop Smoke?
- 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m)
What was Pop Smoke’s braids hairstyle called?
- Often referred to as “box braids” or “dread braids”
The takeaway: every physical attribute, from his height to his hairstyle, reinforced the larger-than-life persona he built in under two years.
What is the saddest death of a rapper?
Pop Smoke’s murder at the age of 20 sent shockwaves through the music world. His posthumous album “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon” became a massive success, topping the Billboard 200. The loss of such a promising talent is often cited as one of the most heartbreaking in rap history, alongside other young artists gone too soon.
What are Pop Smoke’s most popular songs?
- “Dior”
- “Welcome to the Party”
- “For the Night” (feat. Lil Baby and DaBaby)
- “What You Know Bout Love”
What is the meaning of Pop Smoke’s song ‘Dior’?
“Dior” is a tribute to designer Christian Dior and became a rallying cry for the Brooklyn drill movement. It was released shortly before his death and remains his signature track.
The consequence: a career measured in months left a catalog that still defines a genre.
Timeline of Pop Smoke’s life and death
- July 20, 1999: Born in Brooklyn, New York.
- 2019: Released debut single “Welcome to the Party”.
- February 19, 2020: Shot and killed during a home invasion in Los Angeles.
- July 3, 2020: Posthumous debut album “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon” released.
- 2021: Documentary “Pop Smoke: The Story” released on YouTube.
What this means: from his first single to his final sentencing, the entire arc spanned just six years.
Confirmed facts and unanswered questions
Confirmed facts
- Birth and death dates: July 20, 1999 – February 19, 2020
- Cause of death: Homicide by gunshot
- Real name: Bashar Barakah Jackson
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches
- Religion as a child: Raised Muslim; later identified as Christian
What’s unclear
- Exact last words (reported but not independently verified)
- Final religious views at time of death
- Specific motive for the home invasion beyond robbery
- Whether all legal proceedings have fully concluded with certainty
- Specific motives of each defendant beyond the general robbery narrative
Voices on Pop Smoke’s legacy
“This is a tragic loss. The system failed him.”
– 50 Cent, reacting to the legal proceedings
“A legend at 20. Gone too soon.”
– Drake, via Instagram tributes
“He was a loving son who found his voice in music.”
– Audrey Jackson, Pop Smoke’s mother
For the hip-hop community, Pop Smoke’s death remains a stark reminder of how quickly talent can be extinguished. For the legal system, the conclusion of the case with Corey Walker’s 29-year sentence closes a chapter but leaves questions about juvenile justice and crime prevention. For fans, his music continues to resonate, ensuring that the Brooklyn drill pioneer’s voice—deep, distinctive, and defiant—lives on.
Related reading
For more on young rappers, see our biography of NLE Choppa. Also, explore the legacy of another artist lost too young: Tom Petty’s Death: Official Cause and Estate.
abcnews.com, latimes.com, courthousenews.com, youtube.com, foxla.com, rollingstone.com, youtube.com, highsnobiety.com
Frequently asked questions
What was Pop Smoke’s biggest hit?
His biggest hit is “Dior,” which became a posthumous anthem.
Did Pop Smoke have any siblings?
Yes, he had an older brother named Obasi Jackson.
Was Pop Smoke in a gang?
He was associated with the Brooklyn drill scene, but not officially confirmed as a gang member.
How much was Pop Smoke’s net worth at the time of his death?
Estimated at $2 million, mostly from music and endorsements.
What record label signed Pop Smoke?
He signed with Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records.
Who are Pop Smoke’s parents?
His mother is Audrey Jackson and his father is an unknown figure.
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Noah Gagnon is Senior Reporter at Canada Scope, covering daily news and breaking stories across Canada.