Four Charged In Robbery And Murder Of Rapper Pop Smoke

Four people have been charged with the murder of popular rapper Pop Smoke. The 20-year-old musician was shot and killed in a Hollywood Hills home that he was staying at in California on February 19. Corey Walker, 19, and Keandre Rodgers, 18, were charged with robbery and murder along with two teenagers ages 15 and 17, whose names were not revealed due to their age. 

Originally, three adults were arrested in relation to the shooting, but the third adult has yet to be charged. Both Walker and Rodgers could face life in prison without chance of being released if they are convicted. Prosecutors stated that a decision regarding the death penalty would be “would be made at a later date.” 

Arraignment for the people charged has been set for Tuesday. Both the adults and the two teenagers involved are believed to be a part of a southern Los Angeles gang that has not been named.

Pop Smoke, whose real name is Bashar Barakah Jackson, had his first U.S. top 10 album the same week of his death in February. 

In 2019, he was named an artist to watch by BBC Radion 1Xtra from his single “Welcome to the Party” on its Hot for 2020 list. Singers Nicki Minaj and Skepta had both produced remixes of the song. 

In February, Minaj posted for Pop Smoke by saying, “The Bible tells us that jealousy is as cruel as the grave. Unbelievable. Rest In Peace, Pop.”

Other stars also posted tribute for him. Chance the Rapper tweeted, “Rest Up Pop Smoke, you were too young. God Bless and comfort your family. What a crazy trajectory you were on man smh.”