Pop Smoke, the late Brooklyn rapper, emerged as one of the most influential voices in modern hip-hop, blending drill beats with mainstream appeal. His untimely death in 2020 cut short a promising career, but his music continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Here are the top 3 albums that solidified his legacy and showcased his unique talent.
1. Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon (2020)
Pop Smoke’s debut studio album, Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon, is widely regarded as his most significant work. Released posthumously in July 2020, the album captures the essence of his rise to stardom and solidifies his place in the rap game. Featuring a star-studded list of collaborators, including 50 Cent, Lil Baby, DaBaby, and Roddy Ricch, the album’s blend of drill, trap, and melodic elements made it a chart-topping success.
Songs like “Dior,” “What You Know Bout Love,” and “For the Night” became anthems, with “For the Night” even peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and remained a cultural staple, making it clear that Pop Smoke’s legacy would live on long after his passing.
2. Meet the Woo (2019)
Meet the Woo, Pop Smoke’s first mixtape, introduced the world to his distinct sound and gritty Brooklyn drill style. Released in July 2019, this project was a breakthrough for the artist, with the title track “Meet the Woo” and the hard-hitting “Welcome to the Party” gaining massive traction. The mixtape showcased his signature deep voice and raw lyricism, earning him a spot in the mainstream rap scene.
The project’s success helped Pop Smoke gain a cult following and positioned him as a leading figure in the drill movement. Although it didn’t have the commercial reach of his later work, Meet the Woo was a powerful debut that laid the foundation for the success that followed.
3. Meet the Woo 2 (2020)
Pop Smoke’s second mixtape, Meet the Woo 2, dropped in February 2020 and quickly became another defining moment in his career. The mixtape carried over the raw energy of its predecessor while elevating Pop Smoke’s sound with more polished production and notable collaborations. Features from artists like Quavo, Lil Tjay, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie gave the project an added dimension, while tracks like “Christopher Walking” and “Aim for the Moon” further solidified Pop Smoke’s place as a force to be reckoned with in the rap scene.
Meet the Woo 2 debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and earned critical acclaim for its innovative approach to drill music. Although it was released just months before his death, it is clear that Pop Smoke was only scratching the surface of his potential with this release.
Honorable Mentions:
While these three albums are undoubtedly Pop Smoke’s most iconic, his legacy also includes numerous singles and collaborations that continue to shape the landscape of hip-hop. The success of Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon alone ensures that his music remains timeless, but Meet the Woo and Meet the Woo 2 are essential for understanding his evolution as an artist.
Pop Smoke’s impact on drill music and modern hip-hop is undeniable, and these albums serve as a testament to his immense talent and potential. Despite his short-lived career, Pop Smoke has left an indelible mark on the genre, and his music will continue to inspire future generations.
