What if everything you knew about Pop Smoke’s meteoric rise was just the tip of the iceberg?

Behind the chart-topping hits and the iconic “Woo” chant lies a whirlwind of untold stories—struggles, secrets, and shocking twists that shaped the Brooklyn drill king’s legacy.

Here are five jaw-dropping moments from Pop Smoke’s journey that’ll make you see his fame in a whole new light.

1. The Freestyle That Almost Didn’t Happen

Before “Welcome to the Party” went viral, Pop Smoke was seconds away from skipping the studio session that changed his life.

According to his producer, 808 Melo, Pop showed up hours late, exhausted from grinding at local performances.

One last-minute freestyle over a UK drill beat—recorded in a cramped basement—became the anthem that caught the attention of Drake, Nicki Minaj, and the world.

2. The Fake Name That Fooled Everyone

Early in his career, Pop Smoke used a pseudonym to sneak into industry events.

Friends reveal he’d jokingly introduce himself as “Bashar Jackson’s cousin” (his real name) to avoid skepticism from gatekeepers.

It worked—until his voice and presence became too unmistakable to ignore.

3. The Unlikely Co-Sign From a Legend

Pop Smoke’s deep voice once left a hip-hop icon convinced he was being pranked.

50 Cent, hearing his music for the first time, allegedly called his team to ask, “Y’all pitch-shifting this kid’s vocals?”

After realizing it was authentic, Fif became a mentor, executive producing Pop’s posthumous album.

4. The Beef That Fueled His Hustle

Before fame, Pop Smoke was clowned for his “opera voice” in Brooklyn’s drill scene.

Rivals dismissed him as a gimmick, but he turned the hate into motivation, doubling down on his unique sound.

His response? “They gonna hear me everywhere—even if they don’t wanna.”

5. The Lost Collab With a Superstar

Days before his tragic passing, Pop Smoke was in talks for a collaboration with Rihanna.

Insiders say they’d exchanged ideas for a dancehall-infused track, but the record was never finalized.

Imagine a world where that song existed—another testament to the heights he was destined to reach.

Pop Smoke’s story wasn’t just about fame; it was a raw, unfiltered grind against the odds.

So the next time you blast “Dior,” remember: behind every bar was a hustle most of us never saw coming.

Which of these stories shocked you the most? Drop a “Woo” in the comments if you’re keeping his legacy alive.