Pop Smoke Memorial — Honoring a Life Well Lived
July 20, 1999 – February 19, 2020 | Age 20 | Rapper
Pop Smoke (Bashar Barakah Jackson) was the defining voice of Brooklyn Drill music, whose deep baritone and menacing delivery became instantly recognizable worldwide. In less than two years, he transformed from a Brooklyn teenager posting songs on SoundCloud to an international rap star, bridging New York street culture with global audiences.
Honor Your Own Loved One
Create a permanent digital memorial page — upload photos, videos, and stories that last forever. Add a QR memorial plaque to their headstone so anyone who visits can scan and remember them.
Create a Memorial →Life and Legacy of Pop Smoke
Pop Smoke's murder at 20, just as his career reached international heights, devastated the hip-hop community and Brooklyn's close-knit music scene. His posthumous releases have been among the most commercially successful in rap history. Steven Victor, his manager, established the Pop Smoke Foundation to support youth in Canarsie, Brooklyn. An annual memorial basketball tournament is held each summer in his honor.
Major Achievements and Honors
- Posthumous debut album Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200
- Shoot for the Stars certified 5× platinum
- 'What You Know Bout Love' certified 4× platinum
- BET Hip Hop Award — Best New Hip Hop Artist (2020, posthumous)
- MTV Video Music Award nomination
- Brooklyn's most streamed artist of 2020
- Faith album debuted at #1 posthumously (2021)
Born: July 20, 1999 | Died: February 19, 2020
Pop Smoke was born on July 20, 1999 and passed away on February 19, 2020 at the age of 20. The cause of death was fatal gunshot wounds during a home invasion robbery in Hollywood Hills, California. Pop Smoke was a American rapper whose work left an indelible mark on the world.
Remembering Pop Smoke
Memorials for Pop Smoke have taken many forms around the world. Fans gather each year on the anniversary of their passing to share memories, play music, view tributes, and celebrate the life that was lived. Public tributes, charity initiatives, and artistic tributes continue to spread their message far beyond their lifetime.
If Pop Smoke inspired you, consider creating a similar lasting tribute for someone important in your own life. A digital memorial page preserves photos, videos, and stories permanently — and a QR memorial plaque connects the physical headstone to that living digital archive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pop Smoke die?
Pop Smoke died on February 19, 2020 at the age of 20. The cause of death was fatal gunshot wounds during a home invasion robbery in Hollywood Hills, California.
What was Pop Smoke known for?
Pop Smoke (Bashar Barakah Jackson) was the defining voice of Brooklyn Drill music, whose deep baritone and menacing delivery became instantly recognizable worldwide. In less than two years, he transformed from a Brooklyn teenager posting songs on SoundCloud to an international rap star, bridging New York street culture with global audiences.
What is Pop Smoke’s legacy?
Pop Smoke's murder at 20, just as his career reached international heights, devastated the hip-hop community and Brooklyn's close-knit music scene. His posthumous releases have been among the most commercially successful in rap history. Steven Victor, his manager, established the Pop Smoke Foundation to support youth in Canarsie, Brooklyn. An annual memorial basketball tournament is held each summer in his honor.
How can I create a memorial page for my loved one?
You can create a free permanent digital memorial at Scan2Remember. Upload unlimited photos, videos, and life stories. For a physical memorial, a QR memorial plaque ($49.90 with free lifetime hosting) attaches to any headstone and lets cemetery visitors scan a QR code to view the full memorial page from their smartphone.
This memorial tribute was created by Scan2Remember to honor the life and legacy of Pop Smoke. We believe every life deserves to be remembered. If you’d like to create a lasting memorial for someone you love, visit our digital memorial page builder or learn about our QR memorial plaques.