Bashar Barakah Jackson (July 20, 1999 – February 19, 2020), better known as Pop Smoke, was an American rapper and songwriter. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York as he attended middle school there, despite getting expelled in 8th grade. Once he was 15, he won a basketball scholarship to Xaverian High School, but dropped out as a junior to sell drugs. He was eventually signed to Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records. In April 2019, he released the song "Welcome to the Party". The song was the lead single of his first mixtape "Meet the Woo", which was released in July 2019. "Welcome to the Party" was made into two remixes featuring Nicki Minaj and Skepta in August 2019. Pop Smoke also worked with Lil Tjay, Calboy and Travis Scott.