HERE'S 5 THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM THE LATE GREAT POP SMOKE

On February 19th, 2020, the hip hop community was turned upside down after learning about the death of Brooklyn rapper, Pop Smoke. At just 20 years old, Pop was shot and killed in an alledged home invasion at a California home. Music lovers all over the world mourned the death of the young star and the entertainment industry was devasted. But in the words of the late great Pop Smoke, we're going to take our pain and make champagne with it. Here's a list of some things creatives can learn from Pop.

1. Stay true to yourself: Pop Smoke used his authentic Brooklyn upbringing to influence his career which is ultimately how he gained so many die-hard fans. From his gritty demeanor to his famous ‘Woo’ references, listeners never had to question who Pop was or what he stood for. It was this undeniable authenticity that got industry heavy hitters like Travis Scott to collab with the late great Pop Smoke on their hit single ‘Gatti’. The Houston superstar even came to Pop’s hometown of Brooklyn to shoot the music video for the record. Since Pop Smoke’s death, rap OG 50 Cent promised fans he would put together a posthumous album for Pop Smoke. Co-signs like this prove why it pays to be yourself. Other power players recognize realness and it makes them want to be around you, support you and ultimately honor you.

2. Interact with your supporters/ if the streets stamp you, you could never lose : Pop Smoke had an undeniable influence on both his fans and his peers. With this influence, he created an inclusive movement that made his supporters, no matter where they were from feel like one of the 'gang'. The openly Crip rapper claimed ‘Woo’, a prominent set in the street group. Because of his creativity, Pop was able to incorporate the set name ‘Woo’ in his music, dances and interviews which ultimately became apart of his artistic make up. Celebrities like Meek Mill, Diddy and Micheal Rubin have all been seen dancing to Pop Smoke’s music while doing his popularized dance, the ‘Woo Walk’. Meek Mill is even seen on video trying to teach others the dance. Pop Smoke was a unique artist in that he was able to make real urban elements and hood tales sound fun. No matter how hardcore his lyrics was or who he was dissing, he made you want to dance, sing along and have fun. It's this simple yet essential aspect of creating music that alot of drill rappers fail to implement in their music. Make sure you interact with fans and gain their liking because they are the most important part of your career.

3. Get yourself a solid team and your name will live on forever : Together with Republic Records and his manager Steven Victor, Pop Smoke accomplished more than most rap rookies would ever imagine. Performing at Rolling Loud at the start of his career, front row for Paris Fashion Week, a Vlone merch collab and more. Pop Smoke's A&R Xiarra Diamond was a crucial part of creative journey. His photographer Apex Visions has been able to give exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of Pop like studio sessions & bts video shoots. Surrounding himself with distinct creatives and industry power players has helped build the Pop Smoke legacy that hip hop enthusiats still see and feel today.

4. While in the spotlight, make sure you inspire others: Pop Smoke's story represented that of so many young people. Growing up in the southeast part of Brooklyn known as Canarsie or 'the Floss', worldwide success is something that most only dream of. Pop made those dreams a reality and inspired many rappers, specifically in NYC to do the same. Since his passing, elite underground rappers like Rah Swish and Jay Gwuapo have vowed to keep going with their music all in the name of Pop with hashtags like #LLTW & #FOREVERPOPSMOKE. Mainstream artists like LilTjay even stepped in the booth and released a heartfelt track dedicated to Pop Smoke titled 'Forever Pop'. Whether it was his work ethic, energy or impact, all creatives were/are inspired by the late great Pop Smoke.

5. Lock In & Create!: Luckily for fans, in the digital age that we're in, Pop Smoke left behind music videos, interviews, photos and most importantly, music. Although he is gone, he'll never be forgetten due to the enormous amount of content he left behind. Underground artists can learn from this: create, create, create! Upload music consistently, drop visuals and give your fans great quality branding. To learn how to get started creating your solid brand, email thanks4listeningejm@gmail.com or message @iam.ellejonesmedia on Instagram.

*Photos by @apex.visions