Brooklyn Rapper Pop Smoke Has Been Tragically Murdered At 20 After A Home Invasion Robbery

TMZ - Pop Smoke, an up and coming rapper, was shot and killed Wednesday morning in what appears to be a home invasion robbery ... TMZ has learned.

The rapper was at a home in the Hollywood Hills at around 4:30 AM when 2 men wearing hoodies and masks broke into a house ... this according to law enforcement sources. We're told the 2 men fired multiple shots, striking and critically wounding Pop Smoke. The men were seen fleeing on foot.

Pop Smoke was rushed by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood where he was pronounced dead.

The suspects have not been caught and as far as we know they have not been identified.  It's unclear if Pop Smoke knew the shooters. One man was placed in handcuffs but cops determined he was not involved and was released.

This shit is so sad and fucked up. 20 years old, just released an awesome album, was just starting to really explode on the rap scene and now tragically murdered by two armed robbers invading a home he reportedly was renting in LA. Regardless of the lifestyle some young rap artists may portray in their music, it should never be normalized and never not be sad when one passes away. Drugs, violence, doesn't matter. It's always sad. Every time it gives me the same pit in my stomach. Not just because I am a big fan of their music and their art, but because it's a young person with so much potential and life left to give. A person that can really speak to the people and bring them happiness and joy. 

Pop Smoke had such a deep, unique voice mixed with using a UK drill influenced flow and sound that really has been blowing up in the states with guys like Drake bringing it into the mainstream popularity. I had been listening to his new album "Meet The Woo 2" non stop since it came out a couple weeks ago. Heartbreaking stuff. My thoughts and prayers go out to Pop Smoke, his family, friends and everyone who enjoyed his music. He may physically be gone but through his music his voice can live on forever. 

He just posted this photo 16 hours ago in his instagram. Life is so damn short man. We have to appreciate every second of life that we get.