Tributes and remembrances have poured in as the hip hop community mourns the tragic loss of Pop Smoke, who passed away early on Wednesday morning (Feb. 19). The rapper reportedly died after being fatally shot in a possible home invasion burglary at his house in Hollywood, CA.
Fellow New Yorkers Nicki Minaj and 50 Cent, Quavo, Swae Lee and more have shared their reactions to the young rapper’s sudden death on social media.
“The Bible tells us that jealousy is as cruel as the grave,” Minaj, who remixed Pop’s breakout 2019 single “Welcome to the Party,” wrote on Instagram. “Unbelievable. Rest In Peace, Pop.”
“R.I.P to my man Pop Smoke, No sympathy for winners,” 50 tweeted. “God bless him.”
Quavo, who collaborated with the Brooklynite on his recently released Meet The Woo 2 Deluxe album, took to Instagram to pay his respects.
“F L Y H I G H W O O [Pop Smoke],” the Migos rapper wrote. “Got To Kno This Kid! Very Talented Humble Respectful And Appreciative Always Ask Questions Big Sponge To Knowledge Fast Learning Young Boss And The Huncho Was Here To Share That Anytime You Called Me! R.I.P.”
Young M.A, who also hails from Brooklyn, shared her own reaction.
“Lost for words right now!” she wrote on Instagram. “Smh. Brooklyn King! Rest up! this sh*t right here hit home!”
Pop’s home was reportedly broken into around 4:30 a.m. by two masked men wearing hoodies, who fired shots at the rapper. He was later rushed by ambulance to West Hollywood’s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to treat his gunshot wounds, where he was tragically pronounced dead. At this time, murder suspects have not been identified.
Earlier this month, Pop dropped off his Meet the Woo 2 album, followed by the deluxe version. The 20-year-old was best known for his Brooklyn drill sound and as a promising up-and-comer. He was set to perform at this year’s Rolling Loud Miami, Something in the Water Festival and Wireless Festival.
We offer our sincerest condolences to Pop’s family, friends and fans. See more reactions to his tragic passing below.