October 6, 2024
ixing music is an art, and one of the most essential tools for achieving clarity in a mix is the equalizer (EQ). One technique, in particular, known as subtractive EQ, can work wonders for cleaning...
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Drum sounds form the backbone of many music genres, and while sample packs are popular, designing your own drum sounds from scratch can elevate your production to a whole new level. Crafting custom...
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In modern music production, one of the most common challenges is the clash of frequencies between instruments. For example, bass guitars and drum kits often compete for space in the lower end of...
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Studio One by PreSonus is an incredibly powerful DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that offers a variety of tools to streamline your music production workflow. However, like many DAWs, getting the...
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Crash cymbals often get buried in the mix, especially when using complex miking techniques like Glyn Johns, which balances close mics with overheads. While re-recording with higher cymbals may be a...
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GarageBand is often seen as an entry-level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), but it has powerful tools that, when used effectively, can create professional-quality tracks. Many indie musicians and...
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When working with MIDI in Ableton, one might notice that although MIDI clips can send program changes, most of Ableton's native plugins don’t seem to respond to these changes effectively. This can...
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Read morePhoto Source: NY Times
Pop Smoke had a brief but impactful career. Born Bashar Barakah Jackson on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York, Pop Smoke quickly rose to prominence as a dynamic and versatile rapper, blending elements of drill, hip-hop, and trap to create a sound that was unique and never heard before. Sadly, Pop’s life was cut short on February 19th, 2020, when he was killed in a home invasion by a robber looking to steal his chains.
Pop Smoke burst onto the scene with his breakout single "Welcome to the Party" in 2019, which showcased his gritty lyrics, deep voice, and unique flow. The track became an anthem of sorts for a new generation, propelling him into the spotlight and setting the stage for what would become a promising career. His music, often characterized by its raw energy and aggressive beats, spoke to the realities of street life, creating a sense of authenticity that listeners connected with.
Pop Smoke's debut mixtape, "Meet the Woo," was released in 2019 and solidified his place as a rising star. Its success paved the way for the sequel, "Meet the Woo 2," which dropped in early 2020 and showcased his evolving sound and artistic growth. He passed away a few weeks after the release of his second studio album. After his death, the album “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for The Moon” was released on July 20th, 2020. The album “Faith” was then released on July 16th, 2021, no new music by Pop Smoke has been released since.
With Pop Smoke’s trademark deep voice and charismatic presence, he effortlessly embodied the essence of modern hip-hop culture. His ability to mix his tough exterior with vulnerability in his lyrics created a versatile artist who resonated with a wide range of fans.
In his short time in the spotlight, Pop Smoke managed to achieve what many artists aspire to accomplish over a lifetimeAs we remember Pop Smoke, it's important not only to celebrate his music but also to reflect on the potential that was tragically snuffed out. He serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have.
Pop’s impact on the music industry was short but immense. His music has inspired millions and even started a new sound to drill rap. His legacy will forever be remembered by others as they continue to use Pop’s influence to carry through their music.