A man’s bold claim that he was setting up a new Crip gang faction for the late rapper Pop Smoke has sparked heated discussion online, with allegations that many secretly celebrated the young star’s tragic death. In a video posted on X on August 26 and 27, 2025, an unidentified individual stated they faced backlash from friends for planning to give Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson, his own Crip set. The speaker also suggested that jealousy drove widespread resentment toward the Brooklyn rapper during his life, with some people now quietly pleased about his passing but reluctant to admit it due to the topic’s sensitive nature.
Pop Smoke, a rising star in the Brooklyn drill scene, was fatally shot at age 20 on February 19, 2020, during a home invasion at a Hollywood Hills mansion he was renting.
The Los Angeles Police Department initially suspected gang ties due to Pop Smoke’s connection to the 823 Crips, a Brooklyn subset of the notorious gang. However, authorities later concluded the incident was likely a robbery gone wrong, with the intruders stealing a diamond-studded Rolex and other jewelry. Four suspects, including two juveniles, were charged in connection with the murder, with Corey Walker, the only adult tried, pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and robbery in February 2025, receiving a 29-year sentence.
The man in the video claimed he collaborated with Pop Smoke on a project, referring to a “blue thumb” and a “funk” that Pop Smoke wrote, to which he contributed. He alleged that news of Pop Smoke getting his own Crip set caused tension, stating, “When niggas heard he was getting his own set, niggas was mad.” In gang culture, a “set” is a subgroup within a larger gang, and establishing a new one can signify a major rise in status, potentially stirring conflict or envy. The speaker also expressed frustration, saying he wants to sit down for an interview with “China” to address lies being spread on a specific platform, possibly referring to a media figure like China Mac, a hip-hop commentator.
Pop Smoke’s rapid rise to fame with hits like “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior” made him a target of both admiration and scrutiny. The New York Police Department repeatedly pressured him to provide information on the 823 Crips and local shootings, but he refused to cooperate, according to his lawyer. This resistance likely solidified his street credibility but may have fueled tensions with peers. The claim that many are “happy he’s gone” reflects a darker side of the competitive rap and gang worlds, though it remains unverified and controversial, given Pop Smoke’s revered status posthumously.
The video’s allegations have stirred debate on X, with no independent evidence yet confirming that Pop Smoke was being given his own set. The speaker’s anonymity and lack of specific details raise questions about the claim’s credibility. Still, the narrative underscores Pop Smoke’s challenges as a young artist navigating fame, gang affiliations, and industry pressures. His death, linked to a social media post revealing his location, remains a stark reminder of the risks rappers face in the spotlight.
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