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How NewJeans Rewired the Sound of 5th-Gen K-Pop

July 23, 2025

The girls who made whisper-singing and Y2K-core the new gold standard.K-pop has always been about pushing boundaries. Bigger stages. Louder beats. Flashier concepts. But then something unexpected...

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GameBoy by Katseye: The Song That Hits Harder Than a Final Boss Fight

July 23, 2025

Let’s get one thing straight: GameBoy by Katseye isn’t just a song. It’s an era. A pixelated fever dream. A full-body vibe that makes you feel like you're the main character in a retro-futuristic...

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YUNGBLUD’S NEW DOCUMENTARY PROMISES CHAOS, CATHARSIS & A FRONT-ROW SEAT TO HIS REVOLUTION!

July 19, 2025

The moment Yungblud’s fans have been waiting for is here. The trailer for his upcoming documentary, Are You Ready, Boy?, just hit the internet—and it’s a whirlwind of sweat, tears, mosh pits, and...

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SZA claims Nicki Minaj asked her to feature “twice” on her songs despite questioning how “successful” she was

July 19, 2025

In a recent interview, SZA shared an intriguing behind-the-scenes story about her relationship with rap icon Nicki Minaj. The Grammy-winning artist revealed that Minaj had asked her to feature on...

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Tomorrowland’s Main Stage Fire Is Changing Music Festivals Forever

July 19, 2025

A massive fire damaged Tomorrowland 2025's famed main stage, codenamed "Orbyz," two days before the event was set to begin in Boom, Belgium. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the fire was...

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Dinner Is Served… Again! The Last Dinner Party Returns with a Grittier Feast

July 19, 2025

British baroque-pop sensation The Last Dinner Party has unveiled details of their highly anticipated second album, From the Pyre, set for release on October 17 via Island Records. Alongside the...

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Why Gen Z Is Obsessed with a 1962 Song: A Cultural Deep-Dive

July 19, 2025

Connie Francis’s “Pretty Little Baby” was originally a B-side in 1962. Fast forward 63 years, and it’s now topping the Viral 50 and Top 50 charts, used in over 600,000 TikToks per day, and amassing...

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SZA Calls Out AI and Environmental Racism: "Tech Can’t Ignore Pollution in Our Communities"

July 19, 2025

In a recent interview, singer-songwriter SZA reportedly linked the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) to broader systemic issues like environmental racism, urging tech companies to address the...

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Ariana Grande Says It’s ‘Very Silly’ to Think She’s Abandoning Music Amid New Acting Roles: ‘I Plan to Sing for You All Next Year’

July 19, 2025

Ariana Grande has addressed recent rumors suggesting that she was planning to leave the music industry, calling the speculation "very silly" and reinforcing her commitment to her craft. In a candid...

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A Love Letter to K-Pop: Why Fans Are Falling for K-Pop Demon Hunters

July 16, 2025

K-Pop Demon Hunters is bursting with passion for K-pop culture from the first scene to the final encore, which is one of the key reasons why fans adore it. The film appreciates and understands the...

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From Studio Booth to Superstardom: Michael Sandecki's Unseen American Idol Revolution

July 16, 2025

You remember the performances – Kelly Clarkson’s star-making “Natural Woman,” Carrie Underwood’s explosive “Alone,” Adam Lambert’s haunting “Mad World.” But you’ve never heard the name Michael...

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Some of Beyoncé’s unreleased music and set lists stolen from choreographer’s car

July 16, 2025

In a shocking turn of events, some of Beyoncé’s unreleased music and set lists were stolen from the car of one of her choreographers, sparking concerns and raising questions about security...

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Pop Smoke: A Rising Star Taken Too Soon

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Photo 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.