Pop Smoke’s “Welcome to the Party” Was an Anthem, Then an Elegy

In the summer of 2019, Pop Smoke, a young rapper from Canarsie, Brooklyn, released “Welcome to the Party,” a track that rapidly became emblematic of a new era in New York hip-hop. The song, produced by British beatmaker 808Melo, fused the raw intensity of Brooklyn drill with an East London bounce, marking a bold evolution within the genre. Pop Smoke’s distinctive baritone delivery combined menace and celebration, capturing the attention of city streets and nightclubs alike.

The impact of "Welcome to the Party" was immediate and pervasive. Its heavy basslines and infectious energy resonated across a diverse range of environments, from upscale downtown venues to the tinted windows of urban vehicles. This track emerged as a defining anthem, positioning Pop Smoke as a fresh voice in a scene long dominated by predecessors such as Bobby Shmurda.

Pop Smoke’s ascent, however, was abruptly curtailed by his untimely death in February 2020. At only twenty years old, he was fatally shot in his Los Angeles home during a robbery. His passing sent shockwaves through the music community, transforming the rising star into a symbol of unfulfilled promise and the harsh realities confronting many artists in similar circumstances.

Prior to his breakthrough, Pop Smoke’s familial ties had gone largely unnoticed by some of the local musicians in Brooklyn. An acquaintance recalled a summer in 2018 when a group of aspiring artists gathered in a modest Montrose Avenue apartment, creating music and nurturing ambitions. Among them was a rapper named Obasi, whose younger brother was quietly beginning to make music elsewhere — a brother who would later be revealed as Pop Smoke.

Following the rapper’s tragic death, the music industry rallied to preserve and amplify his influence. Notably, veteran rapper 50 Cent took on the role of executive producer for Pop Smoke’s posthumous debut album, "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon," which was released in July 2020. This project, assembled from sessions recorded prior to his death, extended Pop Smoke’s reach and solidified his status as a leading figure in contemporary hip-hop.

Pop Smoke’s posthumous success was marked by multiple accolades, including significant recognition at the Billboard Music Awards and a Grammy nomination. His family, including Obasi and their mother, were present to receive some of these honors, underscoring the personal and communal resonance of his legacy.

The broader cultural landscape into which Pop Smoke’s music emerged was shifting as well. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to widespread lockdowns, isolating many of New York’s creative communities. Yet, even amid social restrictions, his music continued to inspire gatherings and celebrations, serving as a soundtrack for underground events and spontaneous street parties.

By the spring of 2021, as New Yorkers sought to reclaim communal experiences, the influence of Pop Smoke’s sound was evident in diverse scenes—from rap battles on rooftops to impromptu DJ sessions in backyards. One notable moment occurred at an underground rave in Chelsea, where the crowd, despite a police shutdown, rallied around a sound system blasting the late rapper’s signature anthem, illustrating the enduring power of his music to unite and energize.

Pop Smoke’s trajectory—from a promising local artist to a posthumous icon—reflects both the vibrancy and the volatility of Brooklyn’s music scene. His story intertwines with the aspirations of countless young musicians navigating the complexities of urban life and creative expression. As his voice continues to echo through the borough’s streets and venues, it carries a potent reminder of talent interrupted and potential realized too briefly.