It was late 2020. The rap world was still reeling from the loss of Bashar Barakah Jackson, known globally as Pop Smoke. When the deluxe version of his posthumous debut album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, finally dropped, one track immediately felt different. "Hello" wasn't just another drill song. It was a collision of worlds. You had the gritty, gravelly baritone of the Brooklyn kingpin meeting the smooth, melodic flow of A Boogie wit da Hoodie. The hello pop smoke lyrics became an instant anthem, bridging the gap between the raw streets of Canarsie and the mainstream charts.
Most people think drill is just about aggression. They’re wrong. "Hello" proved that the subgenre could be catchy, even sophisticated, without losing its edge.
The Story Behind the Hello Pop Smoke Lyrics
Pop Smoke didn't just write verses; he captured a vibe. By the time "Hello" started circulating, the production—handled by CashMoneyAP and Rico Beats—had already set a specific mood. It’s got that signature sliding bass, but there’s a lightness to the piano loops that makes it feel like a summer night in New York.
When you look at the opening lines, Pop is basically introducing himself to a world that was just starting to realize his potential. He talks about the "Flossy" (Canarsie) and the lifestyle shift from the "trap" to the "top." It’s aspirational.
A Boogie's contribution shouldn't be overlooked here. Honestly, his chemistry with Pop was unexpected for some. A Boogie brings a Bronx sensibility that softens Pop’s rougher edges. They talk about "VVS" diamonds and "Double G" (Gucci) belts. It’s the vocabulary of success. But beneath the luxury talk, there’s a persistent reminder of where they came from. Pop mentions the "Woo," his neighborhood affiliation, which wasn't just a gang label—it was a brand he was taking global.
Why the "Hello" Chorus Hits So Hard
The hook is deceptively simple. "Hello, hello, hello." It’s a greeting. It’s a flex. It’s a way of saying "I’m here."
"I'm the King of New York / Melo"
This line is pivotal. Carmelo Anthony is a New York basketball icon. By comparing himself to Melo, Pop wasn't just claiming a title; he was claiming a legacy. He saw himself as the MVP of the city's new sound. It’s interesting because, at the time, everyone was arguing about who held the "King of New York" crown. Pop just took it.
The lyrics also lean heavily into the "Woo" culture. If you aren't from Brooklyn, some of the slang might fly over your head. When he says "Dread coming like he 'bout to shotta," he’s referencing the Caribbean influence that permeates Brooklyn drill. It's a nod to his Panamanian and Jamaican roots. This isn't just rap; it's a cultural document.
Breaking Down the Technical Side of the Track
Let's get into the weeds. The flow on "Hello" is actually quite complex despite the "party" vibe of the song. Pop uses a staccato delivery. Short bursts. He lets the beat breathe.
Then A Boogie enters. He stretches the vowels. He uses more "melodic" drill, a style he helped pioneer. The contrast keeps the listener engaged for the full duration. Usually, drill songs can feel repetitive. Not this one.
- The "sliding" 808s provide the rhythm.
- The piano provides the melody.
- The lyrics provide the "attitude."
Musically, the song sits at around 140 BPM, which is standard for the genre, but the "swing" of the drums gives it a unique bounce. It’s the kind of song that works in a club but also sounds great through headphones on the subway.
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The Impact of Posthumous Success
There is a certain sadness baked into the hello pop smoke lyrics now. Knowing that Pop never got to see this song become a multi-platinum hit changes how we hear it. When he raps about his future, you realize he was speaking about a future he wouldn't get to inhabit.
Music critics like Alphonse Pierre have often noted how Pop Smoke was the bridge between the UK drill scene and the American mainstream. "Hello" is the blueprint for that transition. It’s less "dark" than his early work like "Welcome to the Party" or "Dior," showing a range that most drill artists lack. He was evolving. He was becoming a "superstar," not just a "rapper."
Many fans point to the line "I'm in the 'Floss' moving' like a boss" as the quintessential Pop Smoke sentiment. It’s about local pride. Even as he was flying to Paris for fashion week or recording with Quavo, he was mentally in Canarsie. That's why his fanbase remains so loyal. He never felt "manufactured."
Common Misconceptions About the Lyrics
Some listeners think the song is purely about violence because of the "drill" label. If you actually read the lyrics, it’s mostly about high fashion, expensive cars, and newfound fame. It’s a "glow-up" song.
- Misconception: The song is about a specific "beef."
- Reality: It’s a celebratory track focused on his arrival in the industry.
- Misconception: A Boogie wrote Pop's part.
- Reality: Pop had his verses recorded well before his passing; the collaboration was finalized by his estate and Steven Victor.
How to Truly Appreciate Brooklyn Drill
To get the most out of the hello pop smoke lyrics, you have to understand the geography. New York rap has always been territorial. Pop was representing the "Flossy" (Canarsie) against the "G-Side" or other factions. But by the time "Hello" was released, he had transcended those boundaries. He was New York's son.
If you’re trying to catch the nuances, pay attention to his ad-libs. The "Grrrttt" and "09" shouts. These aren't just noises; they are identifiers. They signify a specific time and place in Brooklyn's history.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you are a fan or a burgeoning artist looking at Pop Smoke’s trajectory, there are a few things to take away from "Hello" and its lyrical structure.
First, authenticity sells. Pop didn't change his voice to fit the radio. He made the radio change to fit him. The gravelly tone stayed. The slang stayed.
Second, collaboration is key. Bringing in A Boogie was a masterstroke. It opened the song up to a wider audience (the "melodic rap" fans) without alienating the "drill" purists.
Third, simplicity is powerful. You don't need a thousand metaphors to make a point. "Hello, hello, hello" is a hook that a five-year-old or a fifty-year-old can remember. That’s how you build a "global" brand.
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To dive deeper into this sound, you should explore the production work of 808Melo and Swirv. They are the architects of the sound that Pop Smoke rode to the top of the charts. Listen to how they use silence. The gaps in the music are just as important as the notes.
Finally, recognize the influence. Since Pop's passing, countless artists have tried to replicate the "Hello" formula. They use the same piano loops and the same "melo" comparisons. But they usually miss the "soul." Pop had a "joy" in his voice, even when he was rapping about "tough" things. That’s something you can't teach.
Check out the official music video or the "Live at the O2" performances to see how the lyrics translated to a crowd. The energy was electric. It wasn't just music; it was a movement.
To keep his legacy alive, keep playing the music loud. Analyze the verses. Understand the struggle that birthed the "Brooklyn Drill" sound. The "Hello" lyrics are a great place to start, but they are just the tip of the iceberg for an artist who changed the trajectory of hip-hop in less than two years.
Next Steps for Music Enthusiasts:
Search for the "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon" production credits to see the diverse range of producers Pop Smoke worked with. Also, look into the history of "The Woo" to understand the cultural context behind the slang used in the lyrics. This will give you a much richer understanding of why certain phrases are emphasized in his tracks. Finally, compare the original album tracks with the deluxe version to see how his sound was evolving toward a more "global" pop-drill fusion.