stayc main image

How to Turn a Bedroom into a Professional Home Studio on a Budget

September 19, 2024

For many aspiring musicians, the dream of creating a professional-quality home studio seems out of reach due to costs and space constraints. However, with the right strategies and tools, it's...

Read more
stayc main image

Remote Music Collaboration: Tools and Tips for Seamless Production

September 18, 2024

Collaborating on music remotely has become more common, but as you’ve experienced, it can be a challenge to get it right. Audio latency, control sensitivity, and lack of real-time feedback are...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Build a Loyal Fanbase Using Social Media in 2024

September 18, 2024

In today’s digital age, building a loyal fanbase is essential for musicians to thrive. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for connecting directly with fans, sharing music, and...

Read more
stayc main image

Best Apps and Websites for Creating Instrumentals When You Don’t Play Instruments

September 18, 2024

As a songwriter, it can be frustrating to have melodies or lyrics in your head but no way to bring them to life without instrumental skills. Thankfully, with modern technology, there are apps and...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Match Chords to Your Singing – Overcoming the Struggle

September 18, 2024

Creating music often feels like an intricate puzzle. You might have a melody that you love, but when it comes to pairing it with chords, you feel stuck. If you're in this situation, you're not alone.

Read more
stayc main image

The Top 10 Free Tools Every Indie Musician Needs to Succeed

September 18, 2024

As an indie musician, creating professional music while sticking to a budget can be challenging. You might not have the resources to afford high-end software or pay for expensive marketing...

Read more
stayc main image

Miley Cyrus Sued Over ‘Flowers’: The Fine Line Between Inspiration and Infringement

September 18, 2024

Music creators often walk a delicate line between drawing inspiration from their favorite songs and unintentionally infringing on the work of others. The recent lawsuit filed against Miley Cyrus...

Read more
stayc main image

Breaking the "Second Verse Curse": Tips to Keep Your Songwriting Flowing

September 16, 2024

This is a predicament that many songwriters encounter: You're thrilled with the direction your song is headed, the melody feels great, and you've nailed the first verse and chorus. But then you...

Read more
stayc main image

Improving Vocal Samples After Pitch or Tempo Changes: Tips and Tricks from Music Producers

September 16, 2024

Vocal manipulation, such as pitching up/down or changing tempo, is a common practice in music production, especially in remixes. However, these changes can often lead to unwanted artifacts...

Read more
stayc main image

Overcoming Perfectionism in Songwriting

September 16, 2024

“How can I write songs with perfectionism?”If this sounds like you, you're not alone. Many songwriters, even those who are otherwise confident in their creative abilities, face a similar battle...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Find Your Genre: Narrowing Down Your Sound and Streamlining Your Music Creation Process

September 16, 2024

When you're creating music on your own, it can be tough to define your style, especially with so many genres and influences out there. You might feel like you’re trying to piece together a puzzle...

Read more
stayc main image

Unlocking the Art of Cryptic Lyricism: Strategies to Transform Your Writing

September 16, 2024

Writing lyrics that are metaphorical and cryptic can feel like a daunting task, especially when you hear others do it effortlessly. It’s easy to feel that your lyrics come across as literal or...

Read more

Pop Smoke: A Rising Star Taken Too Soon

stayc main image

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.