More details are emerging in the death of Pop Smoke.
After initial reports that he was killed during a home invasion robbery on Wednesday morning, TMZ now says that his murder appears to be a targeted hit based on surveillance video.
According to those who have seen the footage from outside the Hollywood Hills home where Pop was killed, four men wearing hoodies and masks approached the residence at around 4:30 a.m. and snuck around the back. A couple minutes later, three of the four men walk from the side to the front of the house. The fourth apparently entered through the back door but there was no footage. The next time the man is seen, he exits through the front door of the house.
The person inside the house, who is presumed to be the shooter, did not carry anything with him when he left. Given that he shot someone, TMZ says it’s doubtful that he would take the time to rob the place.
Multiple shots were fired inside the home and they only struck Pop Smoke, who was rushed by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
There were reports that it was a robbery because Pop shared a photo earlier in the day with gift bags, including one displaying the home address. He also posted photos hours before the shooting of himself and a friend holding stacks of cash while parked in the driveway of his rented home.
The man in the photo, his longtime friend Mike Dee, penned an emotional tribute to Pop, while also addressing the speculation over his murder. “Cant nothing express the pain im feeling ….I just lost my fucking brother, my heart my dawgz💙you guys have no type of sense or sympathy!” he wrote in an Instagram post. “Yall dont kno whats going on yall come on here playing investigator and bashing me on the internet, I would never in my life set my brother up.”
The investigation into his murder continues and police have not arrested or named any suspects. Meanwhile, friends including Nicki Minaj, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and Quavo have taken to social media to pay their respects in the wake of his death.
His manager, Steven Victor, also penned a tribute to the 20-year-old Brooklyn MC. “Regardless of what his rap sheet said.. he was a genuine person with a kind soul, heart full of gold, a good kid with a huge heart who just wanted to win, put on for Canarsie and inspire the world,” wrote Victor. “It’s tragic, devastating and my heart hurts for everyone that knew Pop… rest easy my brother. I love you. we love you. You know the fucking vibes B.”
