Rapper Pop Smoke Was Shot Dead In His House

Pop Smoke (Instagram @realpopsmoke)

JAKARTA - The world of hip hop is grieving again. Young rapper Pop Smoke was shot dead in his luxury home in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday, February 18 morning US time. The rapper whose real name is Bashar Barakah Jackson was found lifeless with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead.

The Los Angeles Police Department is still trying to find a motive behind the attack. According to the Los Angeles Times, someone called the police from the East Coast to report that some people broke into their friend's house before 5 a.m., said Los Angeles police captain Steve Lurie.

Pop Smoke often uploads photos inside his house, and it is suspected that this attack was carried out by a group of gangs. The shooting of the 20-year-old rapper is considered gang-related considering that in January Brooklyn law enforcement considered Pop Smoke to be a member of the gang.

Police reveal, the Hollywood Hills residence is often looted. In recent years, houses rented by musicians have often been the target of invasion.

The officers who arrived at the scene detained several people inside the house but they fled. Until now the authorities have not found any traces of it.

But because the investigation is still in its infancy, the Los Angeles police are still working on some of the information it has, including looking at images from security cameras around the neighborhood in search of escape cars.

"We are devastated by the unexpected and tragic disappearance of Pop Smoke. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family, friends and fans." said a spokesman for Republic Records.

Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj posted a photo of Pop Smoke on his Instagram which included the caption: “The Bible tells us that jealousy is as cruel as a grave. Extraordinary. Rest In Peace, Pop. "

Before his death, Pop Smoke released his second mixtape entitled Meet the Woo 2 a few weeks ago. The follow-up to Meet the Woo which was released last year made its debut at number 7 on the Billboard charts. The increasing popularity made Meet the Woo's album reach 280 million in total streams.

Pop Smoke is a young rapper who started rising after signing with Republic Records. Her debut single Welcome to the Party collaborated with Nicki Minaj and Skepta in a remix version. Pop Smoke is known for rapping reminiscent of 80s hip hop.

He also dueted with Travis Scott on the song Gatti for the JackBoys album at the end of last year. Pop Smoke plans to go on a Meet the Woo tour starting in Washington, DC and will perform at the Rolling Loud Festival in Miami.