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.
Artist Spotlight
ANACY shines with a heartstring of honesty and cinematic intimacy in her recent single “It’s Not You”

Cape Town’s emerging pop artist, ANACY, has made a compelling return with a hauntingly honest offering in her new single, single, “It’s Not You,” a poignant dive into the intricate dynamics of avoidant attachment that artfully balances emotional chaos with quiet yet vulnerability. Wrapped in a sleek, cinematic production meticulously executed by Mpho Mantyi at Bombsquad Studios, the track’s real magic lies in its emotional duality: fierce yet fragile, presenting a polished yet unfiltered quest for redemption that walks a fine line between control and catharsis.
Upon initial listening, “It’s Not You” may seem like a conventional breakup anthem; however, a more nuanced analysis reveals a more profound significance. ANACY does not attribute her withdrawal from others to their perceived faults; instead, she holds up a mirror to her emotional responses, illuminating the paradox of seeking intimacy while instinctively retreating from it. It’s not cold-hearted rejection; it’s a vivid portrayal of the intricate nature of love undermined by self-preservation, all delivered through a beautifully composed melody.
Her vocal performance resembles intimate confessions scribbled in a journal, soaring into a chorus that feels both triumphant and tender. Sonically, the song shifts the emotional tides it narrates, one moment soft and pensive, the subsequent swelling into an assertive release. A particularly impactful lyric captures the essence of realizing one’s emotional unavailability while simultaneously longing for connection anyway with striking lines: “I knew it from the moment we met / That I would be the lover you would learn to regret.”
What makes “It’s Not You” memorable is its delicate truth: sometimes love falters not because of someone else’s inadequacies but due to our fear. ANACY’s lyricism explores this grey area, extending empathy towards those who navigate love while simultaneously retaining a protective distance.
In this single, ANACY successfully ventures into a more sophisticated creative realm, seamlessly blending alt-pop sensibilities with potent, narrative-driven emotion. The enhancement provided by Sunset Recording Studios further enriches the track’s intimate atmosphere, allowing it to resonate intensely, whether listened to through headphones or speakers. “It’s Not You” transcends mere depiction of heartbreak; it also functions as a therapeutic exploration and healing experience, encapsulating a moment of introspection disguised as pop music. This release signifies a pivotal evolution in ANACY’s artistic trajectory as a songwriter and producer, underscoring the notion that vulnerability can exude confidence and assurance in its sonic presentation.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM ANACY’s “It’s Not You“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH ANACY | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
Mainstage
Kendrick Lamar Beats Drake For Album Of The Year At BET Awards With “GNX”

On a night filled with amazing performances and awards that were rightfully doled out, Kendrick Lamar took home one of the most prestigious accolades of the BET Awards, Album of the Year. Faced with some tough competition from the likes of Drake, who was nominated for his work on $OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U with PartyNextDoor, Kendrick’s GNX closed in with the final comments section. And while both albums have made plenty of waves this past year, it was apparent that GNX had the staying power to push it over the top enough to set itself apart from the pack.
From the moment the nominations began rolling in, fans and critics were already beginning to whisper that Kendrick was the favorite and that they were right. GNX did more than take over playlists and own every room he entered, he engaged in conversations, pushed the boundaries of his craft and produced the kind of masterful art that lives with you long after the music stops. The album displayed Drake’s easy chemistry with PartyNextDoor, who provided silky-smooth grooves and irresistible hooks perfect for late-night playlists. But up against GNX, the nuance of Kendrick’s work just had to win. Instead of an upset, the win registered as the perfectly logical final chapter of Lamar’s incredible year.
This should also interest you: Kendrick Lamar Shakes Up Atlanta With Playboi Carti Surprise On “Grand National” Tour
Maybe because it felt so particularly earned, given that it was Kendrick Lamar’s return to the BET Awards stage. The artist has been an enigma in award shows in recent years, but he turned it up last night. Arriving on the stage with grace and humility, Kendrick tearfully accepted the award and credited BET for “always doing right by the culture.” His presence was a compelling reminder of his tie to the community and his reverence for the platform that has honored Black excellence for decades.
With the strength of that in mind, GNX appears ready for further recognition, it already has a shot for the 2026 Grammy Awards. If last night’s victory is any indication, Kendrick’s artistic momentum won’t be waning any time soon. Ultimately, both artists presented outstanding work and contributions, but the GNX Project served as a firm reminder of what happens when innovation, authenticity, and cultural resonance are combined, it’s exactly what Album of the Year is supposed to exemplify and celebrate.
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