Pop Smoke’s Mom and Brother Discuss Posthumous ‘Faith’ Album

Audrey and Obasi Jackson, the mother and brother or the late Pop Smoke, sat down with Angie Martinez for an interview in the wake of Pop’s recent posthumous release, ‘Faith.’ If you listened to the project, you’ll instantly recognize Mrs. Jackson’s voice as she provides the intro to the album.

Given that Angie Martinez had a special interview with Pop shortly before his passing, she’s the perfect host to interview the pair. Their chemistry over the table brings out some great love and stories about Pop from his family. One of the most interesting feelings revealed is that his mother admits she hasn’t listened to ‘Shoot For the Stars, Aim For the Moon,’ his first posthumous album, due to how close to his passing it was.

With that, Mrs. Jackson says she feels comfortable listening to ‘Faith.’ In many senses, she says its “easier” to hear her son on this project. To her, its less intertwined with his passing while also just sounding more like the voice of her son that she recognizes. It feels more celebratory than grieving, a sentiment that she prefers and needs to feel at this point since his passing.

Mrs. Jackson and Obasi also share how important music always was to Pop. Obasi mentions that he was never surprised by his brother’s interest in the music, since he saw the music in him ever since he was 10 years old.

Beyond the music, the Jacksons express their peace in Bashar’s killers being in prison. While they of course miss him tremendously, they acknowledge that there is no equal punishment for his killers, but their imprisonment is enough to for the Jacksons to sleep a little better.

“I can’t live in the anger, because it doesn’t serve a purpose”

When Martinez asks is they still feel angry, Mrs. Jackson says she’s a lot more disappointed and hurt to not see him become a man. Obasi admits to his anger but understands he has to stay strong for his mom. While we can continue to celebrate Pop Smoke, his passing is an eternal wound.

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Written by Jason Heilbronner | Twitter: @JasonHeilbronn1