Two years ago, the rap game lost rising Pittsburgh rapper Jimmy Wopo in a fatal shooting. He was only twenty-one, a single year older than XXXTentacion, who was also murdered in an act of gun violence that same day. A brutal end to an exciting young voice, and one that continues to haunt his fans to this day. In honor of Wopo's memory, it feels appropriate to take things back to where it all began -- his playfully charismatic take on "Elm Street."
Originally released in 2016, Wopo's breakout single had all the instant trappings of a hit. For one, an infectious instrumental from Stevie B, who blended a mischievous piano with an instantly iconic (especially for Eazy-E fans) beeper loop; one might even argue that this song was a predecessor to Kendrick Lamar's "Humble," in both presentation and general attitude. Second, it allowed Wopo to exude the full extent of his character, multifaceted as it was. Charismatic, imposing, and confident. Not to mention attuned to both gang and geek culture, his violent threats coming juxtaposed with prominent video game and cartoon characters like Pikachu and Donkey Kong. For the most part, "Elm Street" is as effective a single as they come, even if it has become a bittersweet place to revisit.
Rest in peace Jimmy Wopo. Gone too soon.
QUOTABLE LYRICS
It's a mystery, Scooby-Doo
Uzi made 'em do the hula hoop
Choppa make em chicken noodle soup
I got some hitters like to toot and boot
Rubber handle, fuck a wrestle, n*** no Faarooq
Donkey Kong clips let that banana shoot
On my Pokémon shit, I let it Pikachu