New York rapper Pop Smoke, who was arrested in January for illegally transporting a $375,000 Rolls-Royce from California, was killed in a home invasion robbery early Wednesday. He was 20.
Pop Smoke, who was born Bashar Jackson, was shot to death when a group of masked men broke into his Hollywood Hills home, police say.
The rapper, who was born in the Canarsie area of Brooklyn, NY, was partying with friends around 4 a.m. when masked gunmen broke into the home at 2033 Hercules Drive in Mount Olympus, Los Angeles police said.
Police responded to a 911 call placed by a friend of the victim, who reported a shooting at the house. Multiple people were in the home when the shooting occurred. There were no other injuries.
Jackson was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police said Jackson was targeted by the gunmen. A motive is unknown.
The rapper was previously charged with transporting a 2019 Rolls-Royce from California to NY. The car was found parked outside his parents’ home in Brooklyn. The license plate had been changed and the windows had been tinted, authorities say.
The rapper told police he “borrowed” the car for a music video in Los Angeles, according to an indictment.
Jackson is best known for his rap singles “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior” off his debut mixtape Meet the Woo.
