NEWS
Corey Walker, the sole adult charged with the murder of Pop Smoke, apologized in court to the rapper's family and to his close ones on Friday (February 21), per Rolling Stone. In Los Angeles, the court handed him a 29-year sentence for the 2020 incident following a guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter and home invasion robbery. The charges also involved multiple gun and gang caveats. During his apology, Walker also thanked his defense lawyers Kellen Davis and Deion Benjamin for "helping [him] avoid a much more harsh punishment."
"Even though the Jackson family isn’t here in court today, I would like to sincerely apologize for my unforgivable actions," Corey Walker remarked concerning his role in the murder of Pop Smoke. "Although there’s no apology that amounts to the taking of someone’s life. I would also like to take this opportunity to apologize to my family for the pain and embarrassment that they have endured over the last five years, as well as an apology to my community. [...] Today I take responsibility for my dreadful partake in these crimes. And as I begin my road to rehabilitation, I assure you that I will steer clear from negative behavior."
Pop Smoke was murdered by four individuals in a Los Angeles Airbnb on February 19, 2020, almost exactly five years ago at press time. Specifically, Corey Walker drove a group of three teenagers (convicted in juvenile court) to the property occupied at that time by the New York MC, real name Bashar Jackson. Walker's plea deal replaced a murder charge with a manslaughter one, which removed the possibility of a life sentence without parole. "Corey Walker was not an innocent participant in any of this. He was the mastermind ringleader in the planning, driving and provision of weapons to minors,” Deputy District Attorney Hilary Williams reportedly remarked to Rolling Stone.
"It’s over for everybody except for me," Pop Smoke's mother told the publication concerning this case's end. "This never ends for me. And that’s unfair. I’m grateful that the culprits were caught. I appreciate they got justice to the fullest extent of the law. But my life doesn’t change. I still don’t have my son. I will continue to work on his legacy, but that’s also a constant reminder that he’s not here."
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso honored Shyne with a key to the city during a ceremony held at the East Flatbush Young Men’s Mentorship Expo on Saturday. The recognition highlighted both his influence in hip hop and his contributions as a public figure and advocate. Reynoso also declared April 25, 2026 as “Shyne Day” in Brooklyn.
“Shyne embodies what is possible when a community believes in its young people, and the magic that can happen when young people are given the resources they need to thrive. East Flatbush raised Shyne, and it only made sense to present him with the Key to Brooklyn as we team up to deliver hope and opportunity to dozens of young men today,” Reynoso said at the event, as caught by BK Reader.
Shyne also addressed the crowd. “This is the community that raised me, and it’s important for me to pass that love forward,” he said. “There couldn’t be a better way to celebrate this milestone than coming back home and pouring into the next generation.” He also revealed that everyone in attendance would receive complimentary tickets to his 25th anniversary concert on May 2 at the Kings Theatre.
The show will mark 25 years since the release of his self titled debut studio album, which arrived on September 26, 2000. Even while Shyne was incarcerated at the time, the project debuted and reached number five on the Billboard 200 chart. It moved close to 160,000 units in its opening week.
Earlier this week, Shyne posted a video of himself standing outside the Kings Theatre on Instagram while promoting the upcoming performance. "Can’t wait to see you this Saturday, May 2 @kingsbklyn as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Shyne Album…..the celebration will continue @crownhilltheatre where I will meet, take pictures and party with you, my loyal supporters, who’ve made Shyne a Rap Legend," he captioned the post. Fans filled the comments with fire emojis in response.
