Pop Smoke’s dream of a debut album is finally coming true. On June 12, the late Brooklyn hyphenate’s first posthumous project will be released.
His manager Steven Victor announced the news Instagram with the album artwork on Thursday (May 14). “June 12 2020,” read the caption.
For Smoke, the emerging New York star caused a frenzy in 2019 with his aggressive drill sound, courtesy of his breakout singles “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior.” Before Smoke was able to enjoy his success, he was murdered in February in a home-invasion robbery. His final project, Meet the Woo 2, debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200.
Smoke’s death prompted 50 Cent, his mentor, to want to piece together the fallen rapper’s debut album. He sought after features from Drake, Roddy Ricch, and Chris Brown. Then earlier in May, Victor said that new music would be on the way.
“The public show of support and grief, by everyone touched by Pop during his lifetime, has provided some semblance of comfort during these difficult times for his family, friends, and colleagues,” Victor said in a joint statement with Smoke’s family on Instagram. Throughout the next year we will be sharing new music, as we continue to build Pop’s legacy. In conjunction with his estate we will be making formal announcements on his foundation and music projects.”
See Victor’s announcement post below.
49