Monday would have been Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke’s 21st birthday and the community gathered to celebrate his memory in Canarsie.  

Many said they remember the talented rapper for his music as an icon in the hip-hop community. However, many who knew him remembered him for his energetic personality. 

“Pop was definitely going to be big for this community, the people love him,” said Jo Johnson. 

Many say they had high hopes for the star, saying he was well on his way to stardom and even compared him to other Brooklyn natives like Jay Z and Biggie Smalls. 

“He was going to change Canarsie and make it better, and show out more,” said Leila Blasc.