Pop Smoke’s dream of a debut album is finally coming true. On June 12, the late Brooklyn rappers first posthumous project will be released.
Smokes label Victor Victor posted the album cover and announced the release date via Instagram. Although no official title has been announced, we can already expect it to be filled with his infectious energy and unique cadence. This is the rapper’s first album after his breakout mixtape’s Meet the Woo and Meet the Woo 2, the latter of which came out less than a month before his murder.
Pop Smoke was truly a trailblazer and pioneer of the rising genre known as Brooklyn Drill, which draws inspiration from U.K. drill music. Pop Smoke’s song “Welcome to the Party” is one of the most prominent examples of how well-received his creative expression was and continues to be. As a rising artist who had yet to release a debut album, Smoke earned remixes by Nicki Minaj, Drake, and others with his hit single. One can only imagine the lasting impression, and lengthy career this young star was headed towards.
Earlier this month, his manager announced that he and Pop Smoke’s family had plans to release music posthumously. “Throughout the next year we will be sharing new music, as we continue to work to build Pop’s legacy,” the statement read. “In conjunction with his estate, we will be making formal announcements on his foundation and music projects.”
Victor also shared a loving tribute to the rapper, calling him “a genuine person with a kind soul, heart full of gold, a good kid with a huge heart who just wanted to win, put on for Canarsie and inspire the world.”
While we still feel the pain of his loss, we are truly grateful to his family for making efforts towards crafting his legacy and allowing us to still feel his energy.
