Pop Smoke, the 20-year-old rapper from Brooklyn, New York, quickly became one of the hottest names in hip hop with his unique and catchy drill songs that went viral online. His success soared as his tracks “Welcome To The Party” and “Dior” gained millions of views on YouTube, propelling him to stardom in a matter of months. Tragically, Pop Smoke’s promising career was cut short on February 19, 2020, when he fell victim to a home invasion in Los Angeles. This article provides an in-depth look at the LAPD’s investigation into his untimely passing, the suspects involved, and the social media aspect that played a pivotal role.
The Rise of Pop Smoke
Pop Smoke’s ascent in the hip hop world was nothing short of meteoric, leaving the industry in awe of his distinctive style and infectious music. With the release of his breakout track “Welcome To The Party,” he immediately caught the attention of mainstream audiences, rapidly amassing over 150 million views on YouTube. This initial triumph served as a mere prelude to his next hit, “Dior,” a song that proved to be the catalyst for his meteoric rise to fame. Surging in popularity, “Dior” propelled him to unprecedented heights, securing his first platinum single and affirming his position as a supremely gifted artist in the competitive hip hop landscape.
The comparisons to the iconic 50 Cent further heightened Pop Smoke’s allure, drawing parallels between their commanding cadence and unapologetic approach. Such accolades from both fans and critics alike solidified his status as a burgeoning star, sparking excitement and anticipation for what the future held for this young talent from Brooklyn, New York. With a rapidly growing fanbase and a series of chart-topping successes, Pop Smoke had indeed emerged as one of the hottest rappers in the hip hop industry, leaving a profound impact that extended far beyond his brief time in the limelight.
The Tragic Incident and LAPD’s Initial Investigation
The tragic incident of Pop Smoke’s passing during a home invasion reverberated through the music world, sending shockwaves among fans and the public alike. The devastating news left everyone wondering about the perpetrators behind this senseless act and the motives that led to such a heartbreaking event. Initially, the LAPD faced daunting challenges as they embarked on the investigation, struggling to find any concrete leads that could shed light on the perpetrators responsible for the young rapper’s untimely demise.
As days turned into weeks without significant progress, concerns arose that the case might suffer the same fate as other famous unsolved cases involving iconic rappers, such as the mysteries surrounding the deaths of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. The pressure to solve the case intensified as the public demanded answers and justice for Pop Smoke, a rising star with a promising future in the hip hop industry. The LAPD was determined to unravel the truth behind the tragedy, but the lack of solid leads presented a challenging obstacle in their quest for justice.
The Breakthrough in the Investigation
After several months of seemingly fruitless investigation, the LAPD finally made a breakthrough in the case. The key piece of evidence came from Pop Smoke’s social media activity during his stay in Los Angeles. The rapper had been celebrating the release of his second mixtape, “Meet The Woo 2,” while staying at an expensive AirBnb in the Hollywood Hills, which was owned by “Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills” star Teddi Mellencamp and her husband Edwin Arroyave.
A critical mistake occurred when Pop Smoke or one of his friends inadvertently shared a 10-second video clip on Instagram, showcasing his Amiri bags that contained the address of the house he was staying at. Furthermore, another post showed Pop Smoke and a friend posing in front of a Range Rover, with the house number clearly visible in the background. This information was picked up by members of the Hoover criminal gang, leading them to target Pop Smoke’s AirBnb.
The LAPD’s Intensive Investigation
The LAPD began their investigation by collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, including those who were present in the house during the incident. Unfortunately, witnesses were largely uncooperative, which created significant hurdles for the investigators. The information provided by witnesses was often unreliable and inconsistent, hindering the progress of the case.
The LAPD’s Dedication to Justice
Despite the challenges, the LAPD remained dedicated to solving Pop Smoke’s case. They employed a traditional, door-to-door approach, interviewing everyday civilians in the hope of finding any overlooked information. Additionally, they obtained security camera footage from neighbors and nearby businesses, which played a crucial role in tracing the suspects back to Hoover Street in South Central, Los Angeles.
The Suspects and Arrests
In early July 2020, the LAPD made a significant breakthrough when they arrested five suspects on warrants related to Pop Smoke’s case. The suspects were identified as 18-year-old Keandre D. Rogers, 21-year-old Jaquan Murphy, 19-year-old Corey Walker, and two other juveniles whose names were withheld due to their minor status at the time of arrest.
The Shift in Investigation and Motive
Upon arresting and interrogating the suspects, the LAPD retracted their initial theory of a targeted hit and instead suggested that the incident was a robbery gone bad. They believed that the social media posts made by Pop Smoke revealing his location and expensive purchases might have inspired the tragic events.
Connections to Another Case
The LAPD also uncovered a potential link between Pop Smoke’s case and another incident that occurred on September 14, 2019. This incident resulted in the death of 18-year-old Kamryn Stone at the Rosebowl parking lot in Pasadena, California. The authorities suspected that some of the individuals involved in Pop Smoke’s case might have been connected to this previous incident as well.
Final Thoughts
The passing of Pop Smoke was an immense loss to the music world, cutting short the promising career of a talented artist with a bright future ahead. The LAPD’s diligent investigation ultimately led to the arrest of suspects involved in the case, providing a sense of justice for the late rapper and his grieving fans. Pop Smoke’s posthumous album, “Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon,” further demonstrated the love and adoration people had for his music. Although his life was tragically cut short, his impact on hip hop will be remembered for years to come.