Pop Smoke’s “Welcome to the Party” Was an Anthem, Then an Elegy

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-08-30T10:26:19.541Z • Permanent link

New York City police officers responded to a 911 call from a resident of a high-rise building in the Beltway neighborhood of Manhattan around 4:30 AM on November 20, 2020. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the body of 23-year-old Rapper Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson, lying in a pool of blood on the third floor. The investigation revealed that Jackson had been shot multiple times by masked individuals. The suspects, Damion Butler, 21, and Corey Walker, 22, were later arrested and charged with second-degree murder, assault, and attempted robbery.

Pop Smoke, whose music career had been on the rise, had been in the building for a recording session with producer Chris Brown. After the session, he had gone to the third floor to retrieve his belongings when the shooting occurred. The motive behind the killing remains unclear, but it is believed that the suspects were targeting Jackson's jewelry. According to reports, Jackson had been bragging about his wealth and possessions on social media, which may have attracted unwanted attention.

The police investigation revealed that the suspects had planned the attack in advance, using a stolen car to approach the building and then fleeing the scene on foot. The officers who responded to the call were praised for their swift and professional response, which helped to secure the scene and gather evidence. The incident marked a tragic end to the life of a young musician who had been making waves in the hip-hop scene with his energetic and charismatic performances.

The killing of Pop Smoke sent shockwaves through the music industry, with many of his fans and colleagues expressing their sadness and outrage on social media. The incident also raised questions about the safety of artists and the vulnerability of high-profile individuals to violence. The murder of Pop Smoke also highlighted the issue of gun violence in urban areas, particularly in New York City, where shootings are a regular occurrence. The incident has also sparked a wider conversation about the role of social media in perpetuating violence and the need for greater accountability from online platforms.

The music industry has also been impacted by the killing, with many artists and labels expressing their condolences and tributes to Pop Smoke. The rapper's music has been streamed millions of times since his death, with many fans continuing to discover and appreciate his unique style and energy. The incident has also led to a renewed focus on gun violence prevention and community safety initiatives in New York City and beyond.

The killing of Pop Smoke is part of a larger pattern of violence against young artists and musicians in urban areas. In recent years, there have been numerous high-profile murders of artists, including the deaths of rappers Nipsey Hussle and XXXTENTACION, both of whom were shot and killed in Los Angeles. These incidents have sparked a wider conversation about the risks faced by young artists and the need for greater support and protection from law enforcement and the music industry.