Rapper Pop Smoke Killed In L.A.
• Hip Hop artist Pop Smoke was shot and killed early Wednesday morning during a home invasion in the Hollywood Hills, multiple sources told NBC News. He was only 20 years old. The Brooklyn-born artist, whose real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson, was signed to Republic Records. So far no suspects are in custody.
NBC says the LAPD received a call at 4:55am Wednesday from someone on the East Coast saying a friend inside the home had contacted them saying multiple suspects had broken into the home, and one had a handgun. Captain Steven Lurie of LAPD’s Hollywood division said several suspects entered the home, one of them wearing a mask. One person in the home was shot and brought to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Public records connect the property to Teddi Mellencamp, one of the stars of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and the daughter of John Mellencamp. Ms. Mellencamp later confirmed the shooting in a statement posted to Instagram, which read, “Early this am we were informed by a 3rd party leasing and management company overseeing a rental home we own in Los Angeles that a shooting had taken place at the property. Foremost, we would like to extend our prayers and condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss of life.”
Variety also published a statement from Republic Records, where Pop Smoke was signed to the Victor Victor imprint. “We are devastated by the unexpected and tragic loss of Pop Smoke,” said a label rep. “Prayers and thoughts go out to his family, friends and fans, as we mourn this loss together.”
Smoke, best known for singles “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior,” released his first mixtape, Welcome to the Woo last July, and has collaborated with artists including Nicki Minaj and Travis Scott. His second mixtape, Meet the Woo 2, was released this month and debuted at No. 7 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart. Pop Smoke was scheduled to begin a month-long North American tour on March 2, and perform in England in April.
