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Bashar Jackson

Bashar Barakah Jackson, widely recognized as Pop Smoke, was an influential American rapper, singer, and songwriter born on July 20, 1999, in Canarsie, Brooklyn. Emerging as a prominent figure in the Brooklyn drill scene, Pop Smoke launched his music career in 2018. He became known for his innovative collaborations with UK drill artists, who favored a more stripped-back and intense sound compared to their Chicago counterparts.

His ascent to stardom began with the explosive release of "Welcome to the Party" in April 2019, which captured the attention of the hip-hop community. Shortly thereafter, he signed with Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records, solidifying his position in the industry. His debut mixtape, *Meet the Woo*, released in 2019, featured the hit single "Dior," which climbed to number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In early 2020, Pop Smoke released his second mixtape, *Meet the Woo 2*, which debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200. Tragically, just two weeks after its release, he was killed in a home invasion in Los Angeles on February 19, 2020. Following his untimely death, his debut studio album, *Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon*, was released posthumously in July 2020. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with all 19 tracks charting on the Billboard Hot 100, highlighting his enduring impact on the music world despite his brief career.

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