Audrey Jackson, the mother of slain rapper Pop Smoke, has shared her poignant reflections on her son’s legacy and her response to recent comments from one of his convicted killers.
In an emotional interview with HOT 97’s TT Torrez, Jackson discussed the impact of the remarks made by Blockstar, formerly known as King Vermont Raskel.
Blockstar, who was convicted for his involvement in Pop Smoke’s murder, recently appeared on the ‘No Jumper’ podcast where he expressed a lack of remorse for the crime.
During the interview with Adam 22, Blockstar made headlines with his unapologetic statements:
“I’m not sorry about nothing. It should’ve never happened, but I ain’t sorry. If I could go back, I’ll go back. But I ain’t sorry. N*s die every day. Pop Smoke was rapping about it. All type of s. So, I ain’t sorry about it. I send my condolences to the family. I wish it never happened. But, I don’t regret nothing.”
Jackson, who has largely stayed out of the public eye regarding legal proceedings, revealed that she does not follow updates about Blockstar’s actions or statements.
“I’m not tuned into that. It’s not apart of my world. I have people who will come and say, Have you heard? They’ll hit me up and say, Ma you okay?” Jackson said during the interview.
She addressed the disrespectful nature of Blockstar’s comments and explained her stance on handling the situation.
“I felt a way when you just said he was being disrespectful because I’ve been told he’s been interviewing and being disrespectful. I gotta let that go because that’ll eat me up. 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,” Jackson remarked.
The reaction to Jackson’s comments and Blockstar’s interview has been a topic of widespread discussion on social media. Reactions varied from support for Jackson to criticism of Blockstar’s attitude.
Instagram users expressed a range of sentiments, from condemning Blockstar’s lack of remorse to praising Jackson’s strength and faith.
Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson, was tragically killed in February 2020 during a home invasion in Hollywood Hills.
The 20-year-old rapper sustained fatal gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Blockstar pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and home invasion robbery in 2023, receiving a four-year prison sentence.
In a follow-up interview with TMZ, Jackson indicated she might seek a gag order to protect her son’s memory from further disrespect following Blockstar’s controversial remarks.
Jackson’s resilience and dignity in the face of such public scrutiny continue to be a testament to her commitment to preserving her son’s legacy while navigating the painful aftermath of his loss.
