Pop Smoke Death Anniversary: Claressa Shields’ Teary-Eyed Tribute Unveils Unfulfilled Dream

This day, four years ago, a fatal death shocked the world. American rapper, Bashar Barakah Jackson, popularly known as Pop Smoke, was shot dead in a Hollywood Hills rental home. While a legal case ensued to bring his perpetrators to justice, the world quietly awaited closure. Today, the dust seems to have settled on the case. However, boxing’s very own, Claressa Shields, wrote a heartbreaking tribute in his remembrance.

On February 19th, 2020, a group of people broke into the rapper’s rental property in California. As per reports, the intruders were armed with a shotgun and confronted him, who was then only 20, in the shower. After shooting him thrice in the back, the group fled the scene with Jackson’s diamond-studded Rolex, which they later pawned off for $2,000. After a detailed investigation last year, the court brought his murderers to justice. Today, four years after the tragic death, the world still continues to mourn the soul that was lost way too soon. One among them is Claressa Shields.

Claressa Shields wanted to meet Pop Smoke

Up until his tragic death, the Brooklyn-based rapper was on the precipice of his career’s prime. He had worked on numerous iconic projects with Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, and Lil Baby. His famous numbers included “For the Night” and “What You Know Bout Love.” His signature fusion of drill beats and his vocal delivery spoke to a wide base of fans, most seeing him as a promising name in the hip-hop culture. However, his life was cut short, leaving an indelible void for the fans of his music.

Claressa Shields, the 28-year-old, undisputed middleweight, is one among the many who admired Pop Smoke for his talent. She even held a desire to meet with him once. To mark his death four years ago, she took to her X, expressing her unfulfilled dream. Reposting Rap Alert’s tribute on her feed, she noted, “I wanted to meet him so bad [sob emoji].”

Two suspects 19 and 15 years old at the time face charges of first-degree murder, along with charges of home-invasion robbery. Authorities alleged that the killing occurred during the commission of a robbery and a burglary, making them eligible for the death penalty. Two other defendants, aged 17 and 15, were charged with one count of murder and robbery in juvenile court. As per records, the group found the whereabouts of the rapper’s rental property after his social media posts accidentally revealed the location.

Born in Brooklyn on the 20th of July, 1999, Pop Smoke found notoriety for his distinguished deep voice, catchy hooks, and valiant lyrics that reflected New York’s drill music scene. His young age never was an impediment in furthering his base in the hip-hop scene. His groundbreaking works, like “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior” from his breakout mixtape, “Meet the Woo,” made sure that he got his due fame.

Also Read: Rap Legend’s Sudden Demise Forced Udonis Haslem & Ex-NBA Stars to Confront Disturbing Reality of Their Childhood Homes

In the wake of his passing, a huge discourse has emerged. Such discussion branches off on the rising crime in the country, with debates touching on gun laws, and youngsters’ exposure to violence. His posthumous album “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon” topped the charts, further cementing his legacy forever.

What is your favorite Pop Smoke song? Let us know in the comments section below.

Also Read: “So Many Rappers Get Killed, People Become Numb to It”: Mike Tyson Remained Adamant About Being a Rapper as the Most Dangerous Job During Takeoff Death Tribute