50 Cent, Nicki Minaj, and more mourn death of 20-year-old rapper Pop Smoke

The music community is mourning rapper Pop Smoke, who was shot and killed during an alleged home invasion early Wednesday morning at the Hollywood Hills home he was renting.

The 20-year-old New York rapper had grown in prominence in less than a year through the April 2019 release of his first single “Welcome to the Party.” He is largely credited for putting Brooklyn drill music on the map, as the single was dubbed the song of the summer by rap fans in the tristate area. He went on to release two mixtapes, Meet The Woo and Meet The Woo 2.

Following news of his death, the rapper’s label Republic Records released a statement saying they are “devastated by the unexpected and tragic loss of Pop Smoke.”

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp, who owns the house in which the shooting took place, posted a statement on Instagram also offering condolences to the rapper’s family and loved ones.

After his death was confirmed, many rappers who worked with Pop Smoke posted tributes to the artist, including labelmate Nicki Minaj, who was featured on the official “Welcome to the Party (Remix)” that brought the newcomer even more national attention.

Fellow New York rapper 50 Cent, who Pop Smoke was often compared to, also shared words of condolences on social media.

And contemporaries of the rapper, including Megan Thee Stallion, also paid their respects.

Read on for more reactions to Pop Smoke’s death other rappers and celebrities.

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