A man identified as King Vermont Raskel, also known as “Blockstar,” showed no remorse in a recent interview regarding his alleged involvement in the murder of Brooklyn-born drill-rap pioneer Pop Smoke. The incident took place when Blockstar and three other men reportedly broke into a Hollywood Hills home where the 20-year-old rapper was staying.
During his appearance on the No Jumper podcast, Blockstar stated, “I’m not sorry about nothing,” in his first public comments since the tragic event. One of the perpetrators, who was a minor at the time, admitted to shooting Pop Smoke, resulting in the rapper’s death at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Blockstar, who was also a minor at the time of the shooting, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and home invasion robbery in 2023, receiving a four-year sentence. There are conflicting reports about his current legal status due to juvenile criminal proceedings being confidential.
In a controversial Instagram video posted on June 27, Blockstar appeared to cut off his ankle monitor, defying official regulations. Despite facing criticism from fans and the public, Blockstar stood by his actions, stating that the murder was a result of a robbery gone wrong and not a premeditated hit.
Throughout the interview, Blockstar maintained his lack of remorse for the incident, citing his upbringing and family’s teachings as reasons for his stance. He denied any intention to cause harm to Pop Smoke and emphasized that the events leading to the rapper’s death were a result of chaotic circumstances.
The tragic loss of Pop Smoke, a rising star in the music industry, left fans and the community devastated. Blockstar’s lack of remorse and defiant attitude have sparked outrage and condemnation from those who followed the case.
Despite acknowledging that he may have received a lenient sentence, Blockstar expressed no regret for his actions. Pop Smoke’s untimely death occurred shortly after the release of his successful mixtape, showcasing his potential as an artist.
As of now, Blockstar has not responded to requests for comment regarding the interview and his controversial statements.
