Music

Fans Turn Up for Pop Smoke’s 25th Birthday, ‘Long Live the Woo!

Fans of Pop Smoke have been celebrating what would’ve been the late rapper’s 25th birthday, reflecting on his influential legacy. The Brooklyn native, born on July 20, 1999, continues to leave a lasting impact on the music world. Fellow New York rapper, Fivio Foreign, joined in the tribute, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Long live pop smoke.. play dat pop smoke sht loud so I can’t hear these n***s no more.”

One fan on the platform expressed: “Pop Smoke really had a promising career in the rap game and a bum ass n***a took him out over a damn watch. HBD to Pop Smoke R.I.P.” Another shared: “His unique sound and style, which blended elements of drill, trap, and Brooklyn’s distinctive street sensibility, left an indelible mark on the genre. As we honor Pop Smoke’s birthday, we remember his talent, his passion, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.” Another fan added: “Happy Heavenly Birthday & Anniversary to meet the woo part 1.”

Pop Smoke was tragically shot and killed in February 2020 while renting an Airbnb in California. Five men broke into the house in an attempted robbery gone wrong. Police later arrested three adult men and two minors for the murder. During his career, he played a crucial role in the resurgence of Brooklyn drill music. Posthumously, his estate released his debut studio album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, followed by a second project, Faith.

Fans continue to celebrate the rapper’s legacy. Check out more tributes and posts for the late artist on X below, and stay tuned for further updates on Honk Magazine.

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Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

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Artist Spotlight

LAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”

LAST ALEX!, a Chicago-based artist and producer, comes out with “Plus 1,” a high-energy release that combines technical prowess with an undeniable melodic instinct.

LAST ALEX! puts both craftsmanship and creativity on display here. The song’s strength lies in its balance, in detailed execution without sacrificing feeling, and in complexity without losing momentum.

LAST ALEX! doesn’t fully lean into the cold technique or loose emotion, but finds the sweet spot where skill and soul meet. This yields a polished, vibrant, and musically confident track.

Connect with LAST ALEX! on Spotify