Pop Smoke burst onto the scene with his raw Brooklyn drill sound. You remember tracks like “Welcome to the Party” shaking speakers in 2019. But behind the beats, Bashar Barakah Jackson navigated a tough world. Police eyed him closely. A former NYPD chief just shared what happened next. This piece breaks it down for you step by step.
Who Was Pop Smoke and Why Did He Catch NYPD’s Eye?
You know Pop Smoke from his deep voice and street anthems. Born in Canarsie, Brooklyn, in 1999, he dropped his debut mixtape Meet the Woo in July 2019. Hits like “Dior” put him on the map fast. He signed with Republic Records and toured Europe by early 2020. Fans saw a star rising.
But fame pulled him into the spotlight for other reasons. NYPD linked him to local crews. John Chell, a retired police chief, spoke about it recently on The John Rondi Show. “He lived in Canarsie, Brooklyn. He was down with the G-Stone Crips, a big crew,” Chell said. As Pop’s name grew, so did police interest. They built a case around gang activity in the area. You can trace this back to his neighborhood roots.
The NYPD Probe: What Did Police Want from Pop Smoke?
Police moved in late 2019. They arrested Pop Smoke in December for driving a stolen Rolls-Royce Wraith worth $375,000. He borrowed it for a video shoot in California but shipped it east without permission. Detectives from the gang unit grilled him right away. They showed video of him near a June 2019 shooting in Canarsie. A non-fatal incident, but it tied to 823 Crips members.
Pop refused to talk. His lawyer, Peter Frankel, put it straight: “Any conversation with Pop about cooperation was a very short one.” Feds piled on in January 2020 with an interstate theft charge. They hoped it would flip him. Agents grabbed him at JFK after Paris Fashion Week. Same detective pushed for info on another Queens shooting. Still, nothing.
Key Moments in the Investigation Timeline
Here’s how it played out:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 2019 | Non-fatal shooting in Canarsie; video links Pop Smoke nearby. |
| December 2019 | Arrest for stolen Rolls-Royce; NYPD questions gang ties. |
| January 2020 | Federal charge added; FBI arrest at JFK, more grilling. |
| February 2020 | Bail conditions bar gang contact; Pop heads to LA. |
These steps show police closing in. They aimed big, but time ran out.
Pop Smoke’s Refusal: Loyalty Over Leverage
You get why Pop stayed quiet. Street codes run deep in drill. Snitching risks everything. Chell noted the stakes: “You got a lot more to lose. You got millions, you’re a rising star.” Yet Pop held firm. He canceled a February 16 concert in Brooklyn after pretrial services flagged gang performers. His team called it a safety move.
This choice echoes in rap lore. Artists face the same bind. Explore Young Thug’s RICO case parallels in our archive. Experts like Chell highlight the bind: “As we were cultivating this whole gang case, I believe he got murdered.” For more on police tactics, check this ACLU analysis on federal pressure in cases.
The Home Invasion: How Tragedy Struck in LA
February 19, 2020. Pop Smoke rented a Hollywood Hills spot via Airbnb. Around 4:30 a.m., four masked teens broke in through a balcony. One held a gun to a woman’s head in the shower. Pop fought back from the bathroom. Gunshots rang out. He took rounds to the back and chest. Paramedics rushed him to Cedars-Sinai. He died hours later at 20.
Robbers took his diamond Rolex, sold for $2,000. No cash stacks, despite his posts. LAPD called it a burglary gone wrong, not gang hits. But NYPD ties lingered in questions. You feel the shock still. Dive into the full LAPD timeline on our site. External details shine in this New York Times piece on the scene.
Broader Trends: Home Invasions and Rising Stars
Home invasions hit hard. In 2024, U.S. burglaries dropped 8.6% from 2023, per FBI data. Yet over half involve occupied homes. Celebrities face spikes. A 2024 ConsumerAffairs report notes 119 million packages stolen yearly, fueling bold break-ins. Violent outcomes stay rare 0.004% of burglaries end in death.
For Pop, social media played a role. He posted the address via Dior bags. Teens tracked it. This trend worries pros. See our guide to celeb home security. Link out to SafeHome.org’s 2025 stats for national numbers.
Justice Served: The 2025 Convictions Close the Chapter
LAPD arrested four in July 2020: Corey Walker, 19, and three teens. One 15-year-old admitted shooting in 2023, bound for juvenile lockup till 25. Walker, the adult, pled guilty February 4, 2025, to manslaughter and robbery. He got 29 years on February 21.
The shooter confessed: “They got into a fight, and he shot him three times.” Over a watch. Pop’s mom, Lisa Jackson, grieves: “Because of gun violence, I’ll never see my son run up the front of our steps.” Follow post-conviction updates here. For trial recaps, read Rolling Stone’s coverage.
Pop Smoke’s Legacy: Music That Outlives the Shadows
You still blast Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon. Released posthumously in July 2020, it hit No. 1 on Billboard. Features from Travis Scott and Lil Baby keep his fire alive. Canarsie holds “Pop Smoke Day” yearly, drawing crowds—and cops.
His story warns of fame’s risks. Drill evolves, but losses like this sting. Stream his essentials playlist. Experts praise his impact. Danny Schwartz of The Ringer said Pop “conquered New York rap.” Learn more at Wikipedia’s Pop Smoke page.
FAQ
Was Pop Smoke’s death linked to the NYPD gang investigation?
No direct tie. LAPD ruled it a robbery. NYPD’s probe focused on Brooklyn shootings, not the LA break-in.
Why did Pop Smoke refuse to cooperate with police?
He stuck to street loyalty. His lawyer confirmed talks ended quick. Feds added charges to push him, but he held firm.
How many people were arrested for Pop Smoke’s murder?
Four: one adult and three juveniles. All faced charges by 2025.
What happened in the 2025 trial outcome?
Corey Walker pled guilty to manslaughter. Sentenced to 29 years. The shooter admitted guilt earlier, stays locked till 25.
Did Pop Smoke’s social media posts lead to his death?
Likely. He shared cash pics and the rental address. Teens used it to target him.
What’s the latest on home invasion trends in 2025?
Burglaries fell 8.6% in 2024. But celebs see more hits. Only 0.004% turn deadly, per stats.
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