Pop Smoke’s Mom Speaks on No Jumper Interview with His Alleged Killer

In an interview with Hot 97, Audrey Jackson—the mother of the late emcee Pop Smoke (real name Bashar Barakah Jackson)—discussed her son’s death and the controversial No Jumper podcast interview with Pop Smoke’s alleged killer.

Earlier this month, one of the rapper’s alleged killers, who goes by the moniker Blockstar, was released from prison after serving a four-year juvenile sentence following his guilty plea. Pop Smoke was tragically killed in his Los Angeles rental house during a home invasion in 2020.

Following his release, Blockstar appeared on the No Jumper podcast to discuss the case. When asked if she had seen the interview, Jackson responded, “I’m not tuned into that. It’s not a part of my world. I have people who will come and say ‘have you heard’? They’ll check on me and say ‘ma you okay?’”

Jackson continued, “I’ve been told he’s been interviewing and being disrespectful. I gotta let that go because that’ll eat me up—I gotta let that go. The bottom line is your life is over. His life is finished. He’s living, but if that’s his approach to what he’s done, life is done for him.”

After her son’s passing, Jackson founded the Shoot for the Stars Foundation to celebrate Pop Smoke’s life and legacy. “This foundation is committed to transforming the lives of young people through creative engagement, education, access to technology, and inspirational global experiences,” Jackson said.

The foundation has achieved remarkable results, including a collaboration where young, hand-selected fashion designers showcased their work in Valencia. “We had to bring them with us to Valencia to show this collaboration to the world,” Jackson added.

Jackson believes that through the foundation’s work, young people will continue to be inspired by her late son’s creativity and artistic spirit.