Fans have been impatiently anticipating the release of Pop Smoke‘s posthumous record, but it looks as if they’re going to have to wait a tad bit longer. 50 Cent has been teasing the project for some time, and back in mid-May, it was shared that Pop Smoke’s forthcoming album would drop Friday, June 12. That would have meant we would be enjoying the new tunes in just two days, but considering the times we’re in at the moment, it’s now been announced that the project’s release date has been pushed back.

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Universal Music Group executive Steven Victor took to his Instagram page to share the news with the world on Wednesday (June 10). “Music is the tool of revolution. We have been watching, along with the rest of the world, as long overdue change starts to take root. We have seen Pop’s music become the soundtrack of the moment, unifying the masses,” Victor wrote.

“Given recent events, we have decided to delay the release of his album out of respect for the movement. ‘Make It Rain’ will be released this Friday, June 12th. The album will be released on July 3rd.” At least we can look forward to a new single. Check out the announcement below.

Pop Smoke‘s family and manager, Steven Victor, made a joint statement on Wednesday announcing that they’ll be releasing new music from the late artist throughout the next year. It’s been almost three months since the world lost such a promising young talent, after a fatal shooting resulted in the 21-year-old’s untimely death. While fans have been mourning his loss in the months following his passing, they were treated to a few posthumous releases, including the single, “How We Move,” featuring Dave East. There is also currently a whole posthumous album in the works with the help of 50 Cent and Steven Victor, the owner of Victor Victor label who helped launch Pop’s career. On Wednesday, Steven shared an official statement from himself and Pop’s family on Instagram, giving an update on all future Pop Smoke releases.

“Bashar ‘Pop Smoke’ Jackson – so genuine, bright, loving, and so full of promise,” the message reads. “A rare soul, wise beyond his years whose smile, voice, mere presence would brighten the room. He was all the things one could hope for in an artist, friend, leader, and partner. Pop’s passing leaves us all broken hearted with a wound that will never heal.”

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“The public show of support and grief, by everyone touched by Pop during his lifetime, has provided some semblance of comfort during these difficult times for his family, friends, and colleagues,” the statement continues. “Throughout the next year we will be sharing new music, as we continue to build Pop’s legacy. In conjunction with his estate we will be making formal announcements on his foundation and music projects.”

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“We love him so much and miss him so dearly,” the message, signed by “Victor Victor Worldwide & The Jackson Family,” concludes. Pop had just released his second mixtape, Meet The Woo 2, less than two weeks before he tragically passed. According to 50 Cent, the album should be arriving sometime later this month. There is also a Pop Smoke documentary in the works from Steven Victor himself.

Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke tragically lost his life in what appears to have been a targeted hit in the Hollywood Hills. The “Dior” and “Welcome To The Party” star had been in the beginning stages of his career, working with Republic Records and, specifically, through Steven Victor’s imprint at the label. With Victor’s experience in the industry, Pop Smoke was able to shine, truly becoming a break-out star in the first two months of 2020. He was on pace to have a marquee year in his career and Steven Victor, the owner of Victor Victor, is speaking out about the loss of one of his shiniest stars.

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“This is extremely painful and I won’t ramble on B. Your energy, your passion and the love you gave will be missed so much,” said the executive in a social post. “Regardless of what his rap sheet said.. he was a genuine person with a kind soul, heart full of gold, a good kid with a huge heart who just wanted to win, put on for Canarsie and inspire the world. It’s tragic, devastating and my heart hurts for everyone that knew Pop… rest easy my brother. I love you.”

Victor closes his statement by saying that he will never forget what the rapper told him during a meeting two weeks ago, also promising that he will get started on establishing a foundation in his name. 

Steven Victor moved from Def Jam to Republic Records last summer, signing Pop Smoke as one of his first artists. The two had a very close relationship with Pop even mentioning the man in his music.