RIP Pop Smoke

Did we just lose another artist at such a young age?

Up and coming New York-asked rapper Pop Smoke has passed away at 20 years old, after being shot at in his own house. A group of masked and armed men invaded his house at Hollywood Hills, on Wednesday morning, the 19th of February.

The young rapper had just kick started his career in music and though his success wasn’t overnight, it was quick given his talent and efforts. His ‘Meet The Woo 2’ mixtape had entered this week’s Top 10 on the Billboard 200 Chart, a feat in and of itself. Artists like Chris Brown, Quavo, H.E.R, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie even collaborated with Pop Smoke on his latest release.

Though he was a rising star in the industry, his initial dream had been to be a basketball player. He switched his focus to music at the end of 2018, due to his heart condition, which interfered with his sporting dream.

His breakthrough track ‘Welcome to the Party’, and ‘Gatti’ – a feature with Travis Scott will always be on the tip of our tongues.

Mike Dee who was hanging with Pop Smoke and photographed with him hours before he was killed, has spoken out about the tragedy – “nothing can express the pain I’m feeling”, further addressing unfounded speculation about what happened.

Officers were at the star’s home after being called by someone from East Coast who claims that several people entered the rapper’s house shortly after 5 AM, said LAPD Capt. Steve Lurie.

The Los Angeles Police Department have not been able to determine the motive of the attack. “There is a lot of information available,” said LAPD Capt. Jonathan Tippet. “We have some work to do.”

Several people have been detained and released throughout the investigation process, though no arrests have yet been made. Smoke’s family isn’t ready to offer a comment on the tragedy yet.

We offer our condolences to all those affected, and hope that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Rest in peace, Pop.

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