Bashar Barakah Jackson, known professionally as Pop Smoke, was an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York City. He gained significant attention with his breakout singles 'Welcome to the Party' and 'Dior' in 2019. Pop Smoke was known for his collaborations with UK drill artists and producers, bringing a minimal and aggressive style to the Brooklyn drill music scene.
July 20, 1999: Birth of Bashar Barakah Jackson
Bashar Barakah Jackson, later known as Pop Smoke, was born on July 20, 1999.
2018: Pop Smoke's First Attempt at Rapping
Pop Smoke first tried rapping in 2018 during a visit to a recording studio. He recorded "MPR (Panic Part 3 Remix)" in late 2018.
January 28, 2019: Release of "Flexin'"
Pop Smoke released the single "Flexin'" on January 28, 2019.
April 2019: Meeting Record Producer Rico Beats and Signing Record Deal
Pop Smoke was introduced to record producer Rico Beats and record executive Steven Victor. He signed with Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records in April 2019.
April 23, 2019: Release of "Welcome to the Party"
Pop Smoke released his breakout single, "Welcome to the Party," on April 23, 2019.
June 2019: Questioning in Relation to a Shooting
Pop Smoke was questioned by police in connection with a non-fatal shooting that occurred in June 2019.
July 2019: Release of Debut Mixtape "Meet the Woo"
Pop Smoke released his debut mixtape, "Meet the Woo," in July 2019.
July 26, 2019: Release of Debut Mixtape "Meet the Woo"
Pop Smoke released his debut mixtape, "Meet the Woo," on July 26, 2019.
December 2019: Release of Singles "War" and "100k on a Coupe"
Pop Smoke released several singles, including "War" with Lil Tjay and "100k on a Coupe" with Calboy, in late 2019.
December 27, 2019: Appearance on Travis Scott's "Jackboys"
Pop Smoke appeared on Travis Scott's "Cactus Jack Records" compilation album, "Jackboys," on December 27, 2019, on the song "Gatti."
2019: Pop Smoke Releases "Meet the Woo" Mixtape
In 2019, Pop Smoke released his breakout mixtape "Meet the Woo," which garnered significant attention and established his presence in the music scene. The mixtape showcased his unique style and set the stage for his rising career.
2019: Pop Smoke's Rise to Fame
Pop Smoke rose to fame in 2019 with the release of his hit singles "Welcome to the Party" and "Dior."
January 2020: Pop Smoke Announces Debut Headlining Tour
In January 2020, Pop Smoke announced his highly anticipated debut headlining tour, "Meet the Woo Tour," set to support his two mixtapes. The tour generated significant buzz among fans eager to see him perform live.
January 16, 2020: Release of "Christopher Walking"
Pop Smoke released the single "Christopher Walking" on January 16, 2020.
January 17, 2020: Arrest for Grand Theft Auto
Pop Smoke was arrested for stealing a Rolls-Royce Wraith on January 17, 2020.
February 7, 2020: Release of "Meet the Woo 2"
Pop Smoke released his second mixtape, "Meet the Woo 2," on February 7, 2020. It debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200.
February 13, 2020: Pop Smoke Expands "Meet the Woo" Tour Due to High Demand
In response to overwhelming demand from fans, Pop Smoke added more tour dates to his "Meet the Woo" tour, particularly in the UK, on February 13, 2020. The expansion highlighted his growing popularity and the anticipation surrounding his performances.
February 2020: Performance Restrictions Due to Legal Issues
Pop Smoke faced performance restrictions due to legal conditions, affecting events like the "BK Drip Concert" in February 2020.
February 19, 2020: Death of Pop Smoke
On February 19, 2020, Pop Smoke was tragically murdered during a home invasion.
March 2020: 50 Cent to Executive Produce Pop Smoke's Debut Album
50 Cent announced that he would executive produce Pop Smoke's debut studio album in March 2020.
March 2020: Pop Smoke Plans Debut Album Release
Pop Smoke had ambitious plans for March 2020, aiming to finalize his debut studio album, "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon." The album's release was highly anticipated but tragically cut short by his untimely death.
April 16, 2020: Documentary on Pop Smoke's Life Announced
A documentary about Pop Smoke's life was announced on April 16, 2020.
May 14, 2020: Posthumous Album Release Date Announced
The release date for Pop Smoke's posthumous debut album was announced as June 12, 2020, on May 14, 2020.
June 12, 2020: Release of "Make It Rain"
The release of Pop Smoke's debut album was delayed, and the single "Make It Rain," featuring Rowdy Rebel, was released on June 12, 2020, instead.
July 3, 2020: Posthumous Release of "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon"
Pop Smoke's posthumous debut studio album, "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon," was released on July 3, 2020, executive produced by 50 Cent.
July 9, 2020: Arrests Made in Pop Smoke Murder Case
On July 9, 2020, law enforcement made significant progress in Pop Smoke's murder case, arresting three adults and two minors. The suspects faced charges ranging from murder to robbery, marking a step towards justice for the slain rapper.
July 20, 2020: Release of "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon" Deluxe Edition
The deluxe edition of "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon" was released on July 20, 2020, on what would have been Pop Smoke's 21st birthday.
2020: Pop Smoke's DJ Discusses Tour Plans and Upcoming Music
In a 2020 interview, Pop Smoke's DJ, Jeffrey Archer, offered insights into their excitement for the "Meet the Woo" tour, emphasizing the extensive planning and preparation involved. He also hinted at Pop Smoke's prolific work ethic and upcoming music collaborations.
February 26, 2021: Release of "AP" for "Boogie" Soundtrack
The single "AP" was released on February 26, 2021, as part of the soundtrack for the movie "Boogie," in which Pop Smoke had a minor role.
May 2021: Intruder's Confession and Details of Pop Smoke's Death Revealed
In May 2021, details surrounding Pop Smoke's death came to light when a 15-year-old involved in the home invasion confessed to his role. He revealed that the intruders initially took Pop Smoke's jewelry but then a struggle ensued, during which Pop Smoke was fatally shot. The confession shed light on the events leading to his tragic death.
July 16, 2021: Posthumous Release of "Faith"
Pop Smoke's second posthumous studio album, "Faith," was released on July 16, 2021.
July 20, 2021: Release of "Faith" Deluxe Version
The deluxe version of Pop Smoke's album "Faith," with additional tracks, was released on July 20, 2021, marking his 22nd birthday.
September 11, 2021: Pop Smoke's Grave Site Vandalized
On September 11, 2021, Pop Smoke's grave site in Green-Wood Cemetery was found vandalized, with the headstone severely damaged. The incident sparked outrage and sadness among his fans, who had gathered there to pay their respects.