Bashar Barakah Jackson, known professionally as Pop Smoke, was an American rapper and songwriter whom home was invaded by two men with hoodies who fired multiple shots critically wounding Pop Smoke, as it was reported by TMZ. He was signed to Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records and released his first single “Welcome to the Party” in April 2019.
According to TMZ, this incident happened around 4:30 AM in the Hollywood Hills and he was rushed by Ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood where he was pronounced dead. His home was believed to be rented, and was owned by Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Star Teddi Mellencamp‘s husband, Edwin Arroyave who owns several homes in LA.
One suspect was handcuffed but later released as he was determined not be involved. No one has been caught or identified; as far as we know according to TMZ. Unidentifiable source says his brother is one of the main suspects, allegedly.
Rest In Peace Pop.
Featured Image Credit: SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)
Updated Story
Mike Dee, Pop’s Brother speaks out against the allegations from speculators and “public investigators”.
Pop Smoke 💨 murder also appears to be a target according to TMZ’s recent report as they share information supported by the surveillance footage.
“… you see 4 men approach the home at around 4:30 AM and sneak around back. A couple minutes pass before 3 of the 4 walk back up the side of the home to the front. The 4th apparently walked in the backdoor but no camera was trained on it. The next time you see the man, he exits through the front door of the house.”
It was reported that it was multiple shots fired inside the home only to have struck Pop Smoke according to the evidence provided to TMZ, there were no other victims.
FBG Duck, a Chicago Musical Illustrator, published a video recorded by Money Strong TV on his channel two days ago on Dec. 7, 2019; and with the apparent loss of legends from the City of Chicago, who are without a doubt gone too soon because of various tragic situations; he proclaims their affects in and on culture. In his illustrated story he mentions Jojo, Pappy, Zack TV, Lil Marc, Dooski, Nuski, Fredo Santana, LA Capone, Lil Mister, and Smylez. With the current loss of another great Chicago Legend Juice Wrld; and Famous Dex being recently hospitalized to recover from seizures, there is no concrete word if he has been released, there is much to be concerned about.
The murder and drug epidemic of Chicago has depreciated the circulation of producers in culture from the city, putting the ideas out there to be mocked by upcoming or lurking seasoned artist to develop from other markets. Every artist mentioned has a different level of success, impact, trade, and skill that contributed to the identity of who Chicago is in the urban culture world. A legend is someone who creates or develops a traditional story, who taps into their genius, and sculps a path for others to follow or to observe only to be influenced by their impact. No matter how well known the legend is globally, it can be very well known in pockets or wide areas to be proclaimed a legend.
Watch FBG Duck Declare Chicago Legends.
Subscribe to FBG Duck’s channel for more content.
This brings attention to the social issues that we need to solve in Chicago, and beyond, that deal ultimately with poverty, civic engagement, health, and the brotherhood of humanity. His piece of art pushes towards conversations that need to be had to better our community and restore unity between the gangs or just those who are conflicted and need to heal in order to let go of past conflicts or traumas. In the words of FBG Duck, “just to show yourself a better you”, is worth the participation in helping leaders like him carry messages like this far and wide in the diaspora to help appreciate the progress made in the culture.
I’d like to send love and light to all of the families of our lost and slain ones, even those we lost to non violent tragic situations because we are all still suffering from a bigger issue. Our health, wealth, and our mind state suffers or take constant hits (Urban Dark Hue Beings) because we are in a constant state of oppression while walking dead. We must prescribe a remedy to our ignorance, discipline ourselves, and love one another because the world is depending on it. We are depending on it. You existence is dependent on it.
What is the global media landscape? How has it evolved over the past decades? What role has UNESCO played in the shaping of the global media landscape?
The global media landscape is the digital technology and aesthetics of the flow of media. It has evolved over the last decade by allowing the global and contra-flow of media to flow in different directions (export and import). This allows those who didn’t have access to other nations or target audience to expand their base or reach a larger audience. The UNESCO role, which is the mediator, has shaped the global media landscape. It helps to report information to the key players involved providing them with education for a better understanding of culture scientifically. I think that this allows all parties involved to make better decisions when it comes to the trading of communication and media commodities.
Who are the major media players (companies and countries)? What is meant by ‘subaltern’ contra-flows? Are these anti-hegemonic or pro-American? Why?
The major media players in terms of countries is United States, Europe, and Asia. The major media company players are CNN (US), ESPN (US), Disney (US), Discovery (US), Hollywood (US), Google (US), BBC (Europe), CNBC (US), Wall Street Journal (US), Japanese Animation (Japan), etc.( Thussu, 12).
What is meant by “subaltern Contra-flows”, is an sub-alternate flow that flows culture from one place to another by a constituent from another region (Thussu,11-13) . For example, there are two types of Contra-Flows: Transnational and Geo Cultural (Thussu,12) . Transnational is a subaltern flow that consist of multi-vocal, multimedia, and multi-directional flows (Thussu,11-13).
According to the text, Thussu states that global media traffic isn’t just one way, even with the US at core. I think that this shows that the subaltern flows is anti-hegemonic even though they may be hybridized (Thussu,18-21). The goals of these subaltern flows is to create a flow that counters the dominant flows, giving the world audience a different perspective of culture and creativity (Thussu, 10-13).
Meet the powerhouse of Chicago’s women in music and media at Complex 2010 Studios presented Chicago, May 9 located on Michigan Ave on 26th Street.
Kenya was the Keynote Speaker of the event and Elizabeth aka Lady E.I., the owner of Chicago Executives and Midwest Division Head of RO Management (a sub-label to Sony and Universal), was the presenters along with Next Showcase Chicago.
The Women In Media
Kenya M. Johnson
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“Kenya McGuire Johnson, is a Soul and Jazz practicing independent vocalist/ songwriter who also has a master of arts degree in counseling. Kenya’s recent album, My Own Skin (2015), hit #1 on the UK Soul Chart. Her music has also hit top 40 on the R&B Soul Billboard Charts as well as Top 50 on independent smooth jazz radio charts. This unique combination of professional and personal artistic experience allows her to guide each client in developing various aspects of an artist’s journey (Creating Crimson).” She’s also the Director of NABFEME’s Chicago Network.
Joan Sullivan
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Senior Partner of Urban Ideas and Chief Executive Officer of Kingdom Records, Inc., has her hands in many imprints. Chicago Creed is one of her houses she shares in partnership with The Music Garage, and she shared her new venture with me, a studio opening soon in The Music Garage. Joan can help you with artist development and distribution. She can actually help you with more than that but this is great for starters.
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Morgan Mimosa
Live Band Performance
I didn’t get to speak to her to know more about what she does, and understand why she was being saluted but from doing my research she has experience in the game. It’s always great to know your peers and people who can share great advice with you while you’re developing. Ms. Mimosa is one of those peers. I look forward to featuring more information about her in my circulation.
Ciara Martina
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Creator of Midwest Takeover, and there’s no slowing her down when it comes to creating platforms for artist to gain experience. I look at Ciara as the resume maker. Helping to promote artist and put them on stage to gain experience is her forte. She’s doing her first tour this year with Midwest Takeover, and her first stop is in Memphis.
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Ellandrea McKissack
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Writer, Producer, and Editor, to sum it all up. She has a documentary she’s working on , and I look forward to speaking with her soon about it to provide you with more insight. Currently, she’s an Associate Marketing Communications Consultant for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
Ivy Hall
Program Coordinator at DCASE (Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events for the City of Chicago); is helping the public get in tune with local and fresh talent. The requirements is to be professional and have a quality project to pitch to the team, a press kit (and if you need one of those let me know). I look forward to building with Ivy and getting insight on where she sees herself in the future and how she will continue to build her legacy in cultural affairs and events.
I do not own copyrights to image (pictured provided by Ivy Hall)
Bree Specific
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“A millennial media personality, business woman, and producer. Bree started her media career as a Broadcast Journalist for a Chicago based media corporation, What’s The Word TV, where she interviewed some of the hottest names in hip hop and entertainment. She later evolved within radio as Producer of The Rickey SmileyMorning Show on Power 92 & on air personality. Outside of radio, Bree focuses on growing her brand within all aspects of business, media, and culture developing her YouTube series- Specific Sites., where she takes you on a Specific tour of the most creative events in Chicago. She has a boutique candle line, Specific Scents. Bree takes her Specifics to new lengths expanding her product across the Chicagoland area promoting positivity, awareness, and great influence (Breespecifc.com).” Make sure you check her out on the airwaves every Sunday on Power 92 from 11 A.M.-3 P.M.
Debra Rhodes
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“Program Director for WYCA 102.3 FM; She’s an experienced Program Director and has demonstrated history of working in the media production industry. Skilled in Event Planning, Press Releases, Community Outreach, Editing, and Public Speaking. She is a strong business development professional who graduated from Columbia College in Chicago (her LinkedIn). “
Tasha Clopton
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“Director of Media at Cosmopolitan Community Church; is insightful, creative and a talented media professional with over ten years of experience in print and broadcast journalism. She is seeking to shift from freelance to full-time journalism . She has been a Freelance writer and editor for online and print newsletters and magazines. She has experience as a director and technical director, video camera operator, on-camera reporter, and producer. She has exceptional communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Her specialties are: editing, writing, directing, producing, media, talent escort; public relations, news, anchor, reporting, voice-overs (her LinkedIn) “
overall though…..
Information was shared on how to navigate your way in the industry, no matter what level you’re on. Most of the talk was geared towards development. I am happy I was in attendance exchanging energy with these women. The support I have for women in the industry works in my favor, and is a strong key in how I move. We must support each other. I wish I got to network with everyone in the room but you know how it is.
Chicago– Tuesday, January 22, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my peers to converse about social issues that are centered to the culture. Our culture. I came in late but I was happy to slide in and contribute to the conversation.
I’ll be back soon with everyone’s name and social media info, one day! Enjoy and feel free to share your comments, and share! Don’t forget to subscribe and check out the current episodes below! I’m in Episode 3 too.
I need everyone who reads this post to share it in support of Dj Nehpets.
He’s campaigning to bring awareness to Jukivist in Chicago and we need your help.
Jukivist is a state of mind. It’s an attitude towards life and how you respond to external situations, plus a lifestyle to live by to create harmony in the community.
We all understand that as people we can be tribal and find people who are like us.
Basically he’s saying that we all are one mind that think and move in love. And that’s what Jukivisim or Jukivist is about. Moving and speaking in love together.
Join DJ Nephets as he helps others create the change in our city by joining your great mind and spirit to build and grow together in harmony, the jukivist way!!
It’s amazing because it’s a reflection of how consistent I have been in developing my quality of communication and media. And to think I’ve been hard on my self because I’ve been thinking that I haven’t been consistent.
I’ve come a long way ‼️ and I have ways to go but this milestone reminds me that I can overcome anything. Throughout these last 5 years, I’ve floated through the industry crafting, drafting, and developing my lane. This year I’ve finally chosen a specialty: LAW , ETHICS, and ACTS.
After playing almost every position in the Field. I am now using all of my tools and knowledge acquired to further run 🏃🏾♀️ my race, as Nipsey Hussle says “Marathon”, because I’m more into victory laps. At some point the race will end but the marathon continues.
I am Self-Published, Director, CTO 👩🏾💼, Editor, Scholar 👩🏾🏫, Producer, Creative, Communication and Media Specialist, and everything else I intend on being in the future.
BIG thanks to all those who have, will, and do support me during my venture. It’s been a long 6 years in finding self. And I’m grateful to have shared it with you.
I dedicate this celebration to Jaymo and , a close relative who was shot and killed today on the Southside of Chicago, including the other young man who was shot & killed. I will not mention his name in respect of his family and to give them their privacy.
This is why my mission is important because quality in using our (my) voice will bring change to our environment especially if we do it in quantity.
I love you all forever and you did not leave in vain. All angels 👼🏾 memories will live forever through us & our legacy.
Happy 5th Anniversary to me‼️🇲🇦🍾🥃🍷🍸🍹 Thanks for having meWordpress.
I’m into the wonders of the world and the truth of reality. There’s no veil over my eyes even though I can never ‘know’ everything in this lifetime, but I understand and see plenty. By the way this is a personal post of reflection.
I’ve learned that it’s impossible to please everyone and that you never will. You have to allow others to be responsible for their own feelings and karma, good and bad. You have to learn to Master Self. No one can make you happy, if you can’t make yourself happy therefore the people you’re aiming to please will never truly be happy until they are happy from within. A wise one once said:
Once you know yourself then you will know everyone in the universe
So with that being said…. I’m back to being making sure that I’m happy first before I seek to comfort someone else in their unhappiness or happiness. It’s a must that you don’t drain yourself to assist someone else especially if they aren’t helping themselves.
This is tragic to report for some but it comes of no surprise to me that our Queen Aretha Franklins has transitioned, August 16 after her long fight with pancreatic cancer. She will be missed forever and we will carry the torch beloved. Continue to live a beautiful life.
I woke up this am and hopped on my instagram to explore, discovering the post above stating that our beloved Aretha Franklin is reportedly gravely ill in Detroit; While she’s surrounded by friends and family.
My team and I send love ❤️, grace, and we appreciate our beloved queen 👑 for the barriers she broke for those who came after her. Her legacy is set in stone. As she transcends we want her to know that we love 💗 her forever and that she can peacefully transition. She’s fulfilled her destiny as a beacon of light 💡 here on earth 🌏.
BREAKING NEWS: I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill. I spoke with her family members this morning. She is asking for your prayers at this time. I’ll have more details as I’m allowed to release.
I’m just not going to get into all the extra shit that every other newspaper, blog, or reporter has already told you through the newswire. I wrote this with the mindset that you have already gotten the news. If not my sources are listed below.
Just got a chance to speak to Aretha Franklin. She is resting and surrounded by close friends and family. More details ahead on Local 4 News at 12pm. #ArethaFranklin#aretha
Valee and Pusha T is traveling (check out the tour dates below) on the Daytona Tour. Just leaving the House of Blues in Chicago, August 8, and Saint Andrews Hall in Detroit, August 6, blessing the markets with their art. It was a sold out show at the House of Blues and Z Money came through to perform “Two 16’s” alongside Valee, a current industry banger.
And the guy with his middle finger up is Rio Mac, Official DJ and Producer.
“Valee and Lo”Photo-Credit: 40K Productions
“Valee on Stage” Photo-Credit: Lo
“Sold Out Show” Photo Credit: Lo
“Rio Mac & Valee” Photo Credit: Rio Mac’s Aunt Toya
“Valee” Photo-credit; Ron Louis
Tour Dates
08-04 Kansas City, MO – Midland
08-06 Detroit, MI – Saint Andrews Hall
08-08 Chicago, IL – House of Blues Chicago
08-12 Boston, MA – House of Blues Boston
08-15 Baltimore, MD – Soundstage
08-20 Norfolk, VA – Norva
08-25 Houston, TX – House of Blues Houston
08-30 Phoenix, AZ – Press Room
08-31 Santa Ana, CA – Observatory
09-01 Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco Theater
10-13 Oakland, CA – Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
12-09 Copenhagen, Denmark – VEGA Musikkens Hus
12-10 Berlin, Germany – Astra Kulturhaus
12-12 London, England – O2 Forum Kentish Town
12-13 Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Melkweg
12-14 Paris, France – Le Bataclan
Photo Credits: Lo, 40 K Productions, Diamond Deshon Photography, Ron Louis