LOS ANGELES — A home invasion in Los Angeles claimed the life of 20-year-old rapper Pop Smoke on Wednesday morning, according to multiple reports.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department told Rolling Stone that officers were called around 4:20 a.m. to respond to a report of masked gunmen at a home where the rapper was staying. The gunmen opened fire, injuring Pop Smoke, according to TMZ.
He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Rolling Stone reported.
Unidentified sources told NBC News the shooting happened at a home in the Hollywood Hills. At least one person was seen fleeing from the scene while wearing a black ski mask, WABC-TV reported.
Authorities did not immediately identify suspects in the case.
Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson, gained fame with his 2019 single “Welcome to the Party,” which was later remixed by Nicki Minaj, WNBC reported. Earlier this month, he released “Meet the Woo 2,” which debuted at No. 8 on the Rolling Stone’s albums chart, according to the magazine.
Fans and friends took to social media to remember Pop Smoke:
Rip Pop Smoke ppl don’t value life bruh they take so much for granted 🙏🏽hope they catch them 🙏🏽prayers to his family and friends and fans this is crazy
— Big Freedia (@bigfreedia) February 19, 2020
Rest Up Pop Smoke, you were too young. God Bless and comfort your family. What a crazy trajectory you were on man smh 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) February 19, 2020
R.I.P Pop Smoke 👼🏽
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) February 19, 2020
No such thing as success with out jealousy, treachery comes from those who are close. R.i.P pic.twitter.com/OZxKtpPZog
— 50cent (@50cent) February 19, 2020
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