The Soundtrack of a Legend: 50 Cent’s Top Picks from Pop Smoke’s Discography
The Soundtrack of a Legend: 50 Cent’s Top Picks from Pop Smoke’s Discography
Pop Smoke’s sudden and tragic death in 2020 at the young age of 20 left hip hop fans devastated and longing for more music from the budding Brooklyn drill star. In his short career, Pop Smoke managed to release several mixtapes that showcased his raw talent and unique style.
50 Cent, the hip hop mogul and mentor to Pop Smoke, continues to honor the late rapper’s legacy by sharing his favorite songs from Pop Smoke’s discography. Here are 50 Cent’s top picks from Pop Smoke’s music and why they stand out.
“Welcome to the Party”
This song put Pop Smoke on the map and caught 50 Cent’s attention. Released in 2019, “Welcome to the Party” showcases Pop Smoke’s gritty storytelling style over a hard-hitting beat. The song’s menacing hook and Pop Smoke’s aggressive flow made it an instant drill classic. 50 Cent shared the song on his social media, helping spread Pop Smoke’s name and put him on the path to stardom.
“Dior”
“Dior” was the breakout single from Pop Smoke’s debut mixtape, Meet the Woo. The song features Pop Smoke rapping about the designer clothes and lifestyle he aspired to, over a haunting piano melody and 808s. 50 Cent praised “Dior,” saying it reminded him of some of the classic New York hip hop he grew up on. The song’s music video, featuring Pop Smoke stunting in Dior clothes, further helped put him on the map.
“Shake the Room”
This hard-hitting track from Pop Smoke’s Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon album features Roddy Ricch and Quavo. 50 Cent highlighted “Shake the Room” as one of his favorites, praising Pop Smoke’s aggressive flow and Roddy Ricch’s melodic hook. The song’s bass-heavy beat and infectious chorus helped make it a fan favorite and one of the standouts on Pop Smoke’s posthumous debut album.
“Got It on Me”
50 Cent pointed to “Got It on Me” as one of the songs that showed Pop Smoke’s range and versatility beyond drill. The song features Pop Smoke rapping in an upbeat flow over an infectious afrobeats-inspired beat. 50 Cent appreciated how Pop Smoke experimented with different sounds while still maintaining his gritty New York edge. The song’s music video, featuring Pop Smoke stunting in the streets of London, further helped grow his international fanbase.
“Mood Swings”
50 Cent highlighted “Mood Swings” as one of the most lyrical and introspective songs in Pop Smoke’s discography. Over a soulful R&B beat, Pop Smoke reflects on his rise to fame, struggles with depression and paranoia, and desire to take care of his family. 50 Cent praised Pop Smoke’s emotional honesty and storytelling ability on the track, showing another side of his artistry beyond drill. “Mood Swings” proved Pop Smoke had the potential to evolve his sound and touch on deeper subject matter as his career progressed.
“Element”
50 Cent pointed to “Element” as one of Pop Smoke’s most complete songs, showing his potential as a hip hop icon. The song features Pop Smoke rapping confidently about his come up and ambition over a hard-hitting boom bap-inspired beat. 50 Cent appreciated how Pop Smoke paid homage to classic New York hip hop while still maintaining his own unique style and voice. “Element” proved Pop Smoke had the lyrical ability, flow, and charisma to join the ranks of hip hop’s greatest MCs, had his life and career not been tragically cut short.
Through his favorite Pop Smoke songs, 50 Cent highlights Pop Smoke’s raw talent, gritty storytelling ability, and potential for growth as an artist. While the world was just beginning to see what Pop Smoke was capable of, these songs help cement his legacy as one of the most promising young rappers of his generation. 50 Cent continues to honor Pop Smoke’s memory by championing his music and helping carry on his artistic vision, ensuring the world never forgets the soundtrack of a rising legend.
