Pop Smoke was shot and killed at a Hollywood Hills home on February 19 in what investigators originally thought was a botched robbery. Roughly five months later, the Los Angeles Police Department finally arrested multiple people in connection to the Brooklyn rapper’s murder, including two minors.
Now, Pop’s accused killer Corey Walker is reportedly reaching out from jail. On Saturday (November 14), a purported video of the suspect on Instagram Live began circulating online. In the clip, he’s blasting songs from Rod Wave and No Cap as he appears to be finishing his jailhouse chores. He also throws up a few gang signs while some of his friends type “Fuck Pop Smoke” in the comment section.
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Of course, there were several people asking why he allegedly killed Pop, but Walker didn’t respond to those inquiries. Instead, he just kept mopping the floor and rapping along to his chosen soundtrack.
Walker was one of five suspects taken into custody for Pop’s murder. On July 13, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced charges against 19-year-old Walker and 18-year-old Keandre Rodgers along with two juveniles.
Walker and Rodgers were charged with murder occurring during the commission of a robbery and a burglary, making them both eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without parole. The two are also facing gang and gun-related allegations.
Two unidentified teenagers, ages 15 and 17, have also been charged with one count of murder and robbery in juvenile court. But because of their age, their identities weren’t publicly revealed.
Pop was 20 years old at the time of the shooting. His posthumous album Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon catapulted to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 following its July release. The album was so well received, it returned to No. 1 on the chart three months later, solidifying its reputation as one of the best rap releases of 2020.
Despite Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon‘s undeniable success, the album’s executive producer 50 Cent doesn’t think it will garner any attention from the Recording Academy when it comes time for Grammy nominations. In a recent interview with Rap Caviar, the television mogul explained the only way they would take notice is because Pop is no longer with us.
“If it’s recognized it will be because he’s gone,” he says in the clip. “The content is similar to what I would do. They didn’t recognize mine. They gave me Grammys when I was with Em, when I’m on records with Eminem.
“Other than that, they’re afraid to give him Grammys because they think it’s teaching the audience to want to be like Pop and to be like him is to be part of gang culture. Who you see get Grammys that is making Drill music? You mean to tell me ain’t none of those songs worthy of it?”
Watch his comments below.
50 Cent doesn't think Pop Smoke will be recognized at the GRAMMYs. The academy doesn't always show love to street rap, but do you think they'll give Pop his flowers at the awards? pic.twitter.com/kzVoNyOokg
— RapCaviar (@RapCaviar) November 12, 2020