Rapper Pop Smoke dies in suspected gang-related shooting

MIAMI – Rappers around the country are mourning the death of Bashar Barakah Jackson, better known as Pop Smoke.

The 20-year-old rapper and songwriter died after he was shot Wednesday morning at a home in Hidden Hills, a gated community in the west San Fernando Valley, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

“No such thing as success without jealousy,” Rapper 50 Cent tweeted. “Treachery comes from those who are close.”

Detectives believe it was a gang-related shooting, sources told ABC News on Thursday. Earlier this year, The New York Times reported federal investigators believed Pop Smoke was a member of a gang that was affiliated with the Crips.

Republic Records, his record label, released a statement saying the news was unexpected. His “Meet The Woo, V.2” had the seventh spot on the Billboard Top 200.

The Los Angeles Times reported officers were searching for six suspects who fled the $2.5-million home after the New York rapper was shot. The rapper publicly shared the address of the home in a photo on Instagram.

“The Bible tells us that jealousy is as cruel as the grave,” Nicki Minaj wrote on Instagram. “Unbelievable. Rest In Peace, Pop.”

The rapper was out on bond after federal prosecutors in New York charged him with interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle. He was accused of stealing a black 2019 Rolls-Royce valued at $375,000 that he had borrowed for a music video.

“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Teddi Mellencamp wrote on Instagram Wednesday that she owned the rental mansion where the rapper was killed.

“We were informed by a 3rd party leasing and management company overseeing a rental home we own in Los Angeles that a shooting had taken place at the property," she wrote. "Foremost, we would like to extend our prayers and condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss of life.”

Actor Omar Epps, 46, of Brooklyn, also reacted to the news on Instagram.

“May you rest in paradise young lion! Dear youngins, LIFE matters, LIFE is invaluable, LIFE is the most precious human commodity aside from time itself. LIFE isn’t some video game,” Epps wrote. “This young lion was only 20 yrs old! My oldest is 20 ... My deepest condolences go out to his family and true friends.”