Nicki Minaj, Chance the Rapper and 50 Cent are among the hip hop stars paying tribute to rapper Pop Smoke, who died early Wednesday in Los Angeles. He was 20.
Pop Smoke, whose real name is Bashar Jackson, was shot during an apparent robbery at the home where he was staying. He died of his wounds in hospital.
The rapper was scheduled to start a tour next month that included a sold out show at Toronto's Phoenix Concert Hall on March 24 and a set at Montreal's Metro Metro festival on May 15.
“Rest Up Pop Smoke, you were too young,” Chance the Rapper tweeted. “What a crazy trajectory you were on man smh.”
Kehlani shared: “rest up pop smoke!! 20 years old, hella sweet FREAKISHLY talented. s**t sick out here.”
On Instagram, Ludacris wrote: "Man Come On I don’t even know dude but he was just getting started in this Rap Game. I was definitely interested in seeing his Growth. Too many young lives with so much potential being taken away. This S**t has to stop.”
Hours before his death, Pop Smoke had posted a photo on Instagram showing him with a stack of cash while sitting in a car in the driveway of the house. In a separate post, an address is visible in a photo of a gift bag.
“The Bible tells us that jealousy is as cruel as the grave,” Minaj wrote on Instagram along with a photo of the rapper. “Unbelievable. Rest in Peace, Pop.”
The house is owned by Edwin Arroyave, husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp. She shared on Instagram: “We would like to extend our prayers and condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss of life.”
Pop Smoke released two mixtapes, including one earlier this month. He is also featured on a remix of “Slide” by H.E.R. along with A Boogie wit da Hoodie and Chris Brown.
“R.I.P to my man Pop Smoke, No sympathy for winners,” tweeted 50 Cent. “No such thing as success with out jealousy, treachery comes from those who are close. R.i.P”
Others sharing condolences include Nas, Quavo and Swae Lee.