Pop Smoke Death: NYPD Chief Reveals New Details

The untimely death of rapper Pop Smoke in February 2020 left the music world stunned. But according to a former NYPD chief, his killing also abruptly ended a significant, behind-the-scenes gang investigation. It seems the rising star was caught in the crosshairs of more than just a random crime.

A Gang Case Frozen in Time

John Chell, a former NYPD chief, recently revealed that his unit was deep into a major gang case involving Brooklyn crews when Pop Smoke’s name started appearing more frequently. The moment news of his death broke, the entire investigation ground to a halt.

Chell recalled the instant impact, stating, “As we were cultivating this whole gang case, I believe he got murdered.” Everything stopped “instantly.” He also acknowledged Pop Smoke’s unique talent, noting his “very distinct sound” was already making waves and shifting culture.

Pop Smoke’s Hometown and the NYPD’s Radar

Following his death, Pop Smoke’s hometown of Canarsie, Brooklyn, continued to honor him with annual gatherings. These events often drew large crowds and required a significant police presence due to the attendance of many individuals with gang affiliations. Chell admitted that officers were frequently stationed in the area because tensions could easily escalate, making it a dangerous environment.

Even before his meteoric rise to fame, Pop Smoke had surfaced in an NYPD investigation linked to several Brooklyn street groups, including the G Stone Crips. As his career took off, investigators noticed his name popping up more often, as he maintained connections with friends still active in those crews. However, Chell clarified that they had limited direct evidence on Pop Smoke himself.

The Rolls Royce Case: A Leverage Opportunity?

A significant moment for investigators came in 2019 when Pop Smoke was accused of transporting a stolen Rolls Royce Wraith from California to New York. Chell explained that this arrest presented a potential opportunity for leverage, a common tactic when celebrities are friends with active gang members. The idea was that someone with so much to lose might be persuaded to cooperate.

A Career Cut Short

Chell emphasized that Pop Smoke was on the cusp of superstardom and had far more to lose than many of his associates. The NYPD’s interest, he suggested, wasn’t solely focused on Pop Smoke himself but rather on his influence within the streets during a critical period for New York’s gang landscape. His tragic death undeniably cut short a promising career and halted a complex investigation.