Pop Smoke’s death has left many rappers reflecting on difficult questions. Though no arrests have been made, police have speculated that the young rapper (he was 20 years old) was murdered during a premeditated hit on his life. During a statement to the LA Times, Captain Jonathan Tippet the LAPD explained that he “wasn’t comfortable calling it a robbery” given the amount information pointing elsewhere. Be that as it may, the violent nature the crime had many rappers weighing in on the fallout.  young artists to keep a tight circle loyal friends.  rising rap stars to keep a low prile and move legally. has opted for a more reflective stance.

Taking to Instagram to share a portrait Pop Smoke as rendered by artist @art__a_giant, Meek fired f a powerful and provocative caption. “KKK KINGS KILLING KIINGS,” he writes, before closing out with a “RIP POP SMOKE.” It’s a multilayered message to be sure, condemning the bleak finality black men murdering other black men and likening the process to a notorious and racially-motivated hate movement. It didn’t take long for many to line Meek’s page with comments, though it’s unclear whether the rapper will continue building on his message. 

Ever since his release from  the product a sentence many deemed to be unjust and unfairly motivated, Meek has been increasingly vocal about topics racial equality and black excellence. He recently linked up with hip-hop’s first billionaire Jay-Z, joining the Roc Nation family as president his Dream Chasers label. These days, Meek’s words seem to carry weight – this latest message is no exception. Rest in peace Pop Smoke.