When we reflect on the modern era of hip-hop, one name that resonates with incredible force is Pop Smoke. Not just because of his chart-topping hits or electrifying performances, but because of the meteoric rise he achieved in a tragically short life. Among the many curiosities surrounding the late rapper, one detail fans continue to search for is his height. While seemingly trivial, this question opens the door to a deeper dive into who Pop Smoke truly was—from his musical roots to his devastatingly premature death. This article, powered by the latest insights from Bing.com and reliable blog sources, sheds light on Pop Smoke’s height and the life of an icon lost too soon.
Who Is Pop Smoke?
Born Bashar Barakah Jackson on July 20, 1999, in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, Pop Smoke was of Jamaican and Panamanian descent. Raised in a vibrant and challenging environment, his upbringing was infused with musical influences from Caribbean dancehall to classic East Coast rap.
Before taking over the music scene, Pop Smoke had a stint in basketball, where he reportedly played as a point guard in middle school. After an injury cut his athletic career short, he shifted focus to street life and eventually music. His deep, gravelly voice and unique delivery were unmistakable from the moment he arrived on the scene. Within a year of entering the music world, he became the face of Brooklyn drill, a subgenre influenced by UK drill and Chicago trap.
Pop Smoke Height: Conflicting Reports and the Reality
So how tall was Pop Smoke really? While it may sound like a simple question, the internet is full of conflicting information regarding his height.
- Some blog sources, like CelebritiesDetail.com, list his height at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm).
- Others, such as LegendsBioWorld, estimate him to be around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).
- A third, moderate estimate comes from fans comparing him in photos alongside rappers like Travis Scott and Quavo, both of whom are over 5’9″—suggesting Pop Smoke was at least 5’10”.
The prevailing belief among fans and the hip-hop community is that Pop Smoke stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches, or 178 cm, which matches how he appeared in most video footage, live performances, and interviews. His athletic build and confident posture often made him seem even taller.
Despite the discrepancy, the fascination with his height highlights how influential and visually impactful he was—his presence was larger than life.
The Breakout: Pop Smoke Songs That Shaped a Generation
In 2019, Pop Smoke released “Welcome to the Party”, a single that would introduce him to the mainstream and immediately carve out his space in the hip-hop landscape. The track went viral, receiving remixes from Nicki Minaj and Skepta, and propelled his first mixtape, Meet the Woo, to success.
Some of the most notable Pop Smoke songs include:
- “Dior” – Arguably his most iconic track, nominated posthumously for a Grammy Award.
- “Mood Swings” – A more melodic piece, featuring Lil Tjay, showing his versatility.
- “For the Night” – With Lil Baby and DaBaby, a radio staple in 2020.
- “The Woo”, “War”, “Element”, and of course,
- “Invincible” – A gritty, hard-hitting track that opens Meet the Woo 2 and showcases his signature drill sound.
“Pop Smoke – Invincible” especially reflects his confrontational yet poetic lyrical style. It’s a song that perfectly sets the tone for the mixtape it headlines—confident, relentless, and unapologetically Brooklyn.
Pop Smoke Age and Birthday
Pop Smoke was born on July 20, 1999. He was just 20 years old at the time of his passing in February 2020. What makes his rise even more astonishing is how much he accomplished within that short span.
In under 2 years, Pop Smoke achieved:
- 2 major mixtapes
- Dozens of charting singles
- Over 5 billion streams on major platforms
- An international fanbase that included collaborations with UK artists and American rap royalty alike.
Had he lived beyond 20, it’s widely believed Pop Smoke would have become one of the defining voices of the decade.
The Tragic Death of a Young Legend
On February 19, 2020, the world lost Pop Smoke in one of the most shocking tragedies in recent music history. He was shot and killed during a home invasion robbery at a rental house in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles.
According to police reports:
- The attackers entered the home at around 4:30 AM.
- At least one intruder fatally shot Pop Smoke in the chest.
- He was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation revealed that the motive was robbery and not gang-related. Multiple suspects, including teenagers, were arrested and charged. The incident spurred debates about celebrity safety, the dangers of social media (Pop Smoke had posted the address earlier), and the darker realities of fame.
Posthumous Impact and Legacy
Following his death, Pop Smoke’s debut studio album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, was released on July 3, 2020. Curated by 50 Cent, the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spawned several platinum-certified singles.
The legacy of Pop Smoke lives on in:
- Posthumous music releases
- A continuing influence on Brooklyn drill artists
- Tributes from celebrities worldwide, including Drake, Travis Scott, and Kanye West
His voice, characterized by its bass-heavy timbre and gritty delivery, became a blueprint for many up-and-coming drill artists around the world.
Why Pop Smoke’s Height Still Matters
In many ways, the obsession with Pop Smoke’s height is symbolic of something much deeper: his immense presence. Whether he was 5’5″ or 5’10”, his charisma, style, and voice made him seem like a giant in the industry. He defied physical limitations with his towering confidence and unmatched energy on every track and stage.
Height, in Pop Smoke’s case, becomes an emblem of how he stood tall in a world full of noise, rising above circumstances, critics, and adversity to become a legend. It reminds us that greatness isn’t measured in inches but in impact.
Final Thoughts
Pop Smoke’s story is one of talent, promise, and heartbreaking loss. While questions like “how tall was Pop Smoke” may seem minor, they offer a window into the world of a man whose life captivated millions. His music continues to be streamed globally, his voice is sampled and remembered, and his name lives on as a pioneer of modern-day Brooklyn drill.
At infory, we believe in documenting the full picture—both the facts and the feelings—behind our favorite icons. Pop Smoke’s height may have been debated, but there’s no debate about his influence. He stood tall in every way that mattered.