A budding American rapper, Pop Smoke has been shot and killed in what appears to be a home invasion robbery, TMZ reports.
According to law enforcement sources, the 20-year-old artist, whose real name is Bashar Barakah Jackson, was at a home in the Hollywood Hills at around 4:30 AM when 4 men wearing hoodies and masks broke into a house.
TMZ reports that the 2 men fired multiple shots, striking and critically wounding Pop Smoke after which the men were seen fleeing on foot.
Pop Smoke was rushed by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood where he was pronounced dead.
It is unclear if Pop Smoke knew the shooters who at press time were still at large. One man was taken into custody immediately after the shooting but he was released after police determined he was not involved.
Pop Smoke released an album back in July and one of the songs, “Welcome to the Party,” blew up. It was considered by many the song of the summer.
Law enforcement sources say there was a party or gathering at the house prior to the shooting but it is unclear what motive the shooters had in showing up at the house.
According to TMZ’s report, Pop Smoke had earlier in the day posted the address of his home when he was showing off gift bags he had received which had his home address on it.
Sources who saw the surveillance video say it shows at least 4 masked men with hoodies making their way into the house just 10 minutes after people inside the house deadbolted the front doors shut.
They add that the robbers did not turn the house alarm on, which made it easier for the home invaders to get inside.
