Report: Pop Smoke Allegedly Canceled Brooklyn Show Due To Suspected Gang Presence
This past week has been a tough one for the hip-hop community on the heels of the sobering news that fast-rising Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson, was shot and killed last week.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the 20-year-old’s death have continued to emerge. Initially, multiple reports stated that Jackson was killed during a suspected robbery gone wrong. New details have since surfaced that point to a possible targeted attack, although police have not confirmed these suspicions amid their investigation.
New reports now hold that the rap artist had a premonition that his life was in danger shortly before his fate. If you’ll recall, Pop was scheduled to perform at Kings Theatre in his hometown on February 16 in what was supposed to be a showcase for Brooklyn’s emerging drill scene. However, just before the show began, Pop’s set was dropped from the lineup. At the time, he told his fans that he was forced to cancel his performance because of the New York Police Department and apologized to them in his Instagram Stories. “I apologize to all my fans that went to Kings Theater today to see me. Unfortunately, the NYPD wouldn’t let me perform once again. But don’t worry. I’mma make it up,” he wrote.
But according to TMZ’s sources, unconfirmed statements claim that Pop canceled the show himself. Per the publication’s law enforcement sources, he pulled out of the showcase due to concern that gang members were going to be present. The report does not state their connection to Pop. He was recently released on bail following his arrest for his alleged involvement in the transportation of a stolen Rolls-Royce. TMZ noted that Pop was ordered to steer clear of any gang members following his release, so he might’ve cancelled the show to avoid any more legal troubles.
Thus far, a motive nor suspects have been linked to his death. Recent surveillance footage reportedly obtained by TMZ suggests that multiple suspects broke into the property Pop was renting and shot him multiple times before they fled.
BET continues to send its prayers, love and light to the family of Bashar Jackson during this time.
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