Jimmy Wopo had Pittsburgh’s rap scene on lock during the prime of his career. He brought a new swagger and energy that was much needed for the city. Many people outside of Pennsylvania do not give enough respect to rappers to come out of the Burgh besides a few well known names such as Wiz Khalifa and the late Mac Miller.
Wopo was evidently on the rise at the time of his unfortunate death in 2018. He grew up rapping and ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a known artist in his own city as well as elsewhere in the United States.
Young Wopo Life
Travon DaShawn Frank Smart better known as Jimmy Wopo was born on January 13th, 1997 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He grew up in the Hill District, a predominantly Black neighborhood with historical significance in the city. Wopo started rapping at a young age after his mother called a local radio station to have him rap during a call in segment.
Growing up in the Hill District was not easy for anyone especially Jimmy Wopo. He described in an interview about being shot several times on different occasions. Despite the ongoing violence around him, Smart continued to focus on his craft and worked to reach his full potential. His perseverance and dedication to rapping would pay off in his near future.
Woponese
In early 2015, Jimmy Wopo started to take his rap career more seriously and starting posting songs on SoundCloud. The online music platform allowed him to gain traction rather swiftly. The Pittsburgh based hip-hop and rap blog, The Daily Loud, ran by Taylor Maglin quickly took an interest in the young rapper from the Hill. Maglin would later become Wopo’s right hand man and manager.
In July 2016, Jimmy Wopo’s debut album, Woponese, proved to be the start of something special. World Star Hip Hop exclusively premiered numerous music videos for Wopo leading to millions of views online. The hit single, “Elm Street” rapidly took the rap scene by storm. Jimmy Wopo had people outside of Pittsburgh buzzing about his catchy and original song. Complex included “Elm Street” in the “‘Bout to Blow: 10 Dope New Songs You Should Be Hearing Everywhere Soon” list in 2016. Fans even found striking similarities between “Elm Street” and Kendrick Lamar’s hit “Humble.” The well-known producer, Sonny Digital teamed up with Wopo on his debut album; Woponese was just the beginning of Wopo showcasing his unique rap abilities.
Burgh Ties
Jimmy Wopo was not shy to collaborations especially with other artists from Pittsburgh. As he gained more popularity, Wiz Khalifa started to take an interest in the energetic rapper coming out of the Hill District. Hardo, another Pittsburgh based rapper worked with Wopo on numerous occasions. The duo teamed up to release a joint album Trapnese in November 2016 with features from Wiz Khalifa, 21 Savage, and ShadyHigler.
The Pittsburgh trio collaborated once again in 2018. Wiz Khalifa’s song “Blue Hunnids” on Rolling Papers 2 featured Jimmy Wopo and Hardo. Rappers tend to work with other artists who have a similar flow as themselves. Although prominent Pittsburgh rappers like Wiz, Hardo, and Wopo all have their own unique styles, their flows all work cohesively.
Pittsburgh native, Taylor Maglin, a co-founder of The Daily Loud, brought Wopo invaluable exposure that propelled the young star’s rap career. Maglin eventually became Jimmy Wopo’s manager and continued to provide critical exposure for the rapper. The duo became close and developed a friendship outside of their work. Daily Loud gave Wopo a powerful and lasting platform to be influential outside the city of Pittsburgh.
Moving On
Pittsburgh’s rap scene is often limited and does not offer as many opportunities for advancement as other metros around the United States. Although Wopo became a local hit and expanded to other areas, he still looked to expand upon his talents in a more diverse and rewarding market.
Close ties with Wiz Khalifa unlocked many doors for Jimmy Wopo. The two had experience working together and originating from the same city. Khalifa and his crew knew how much potential Pittsburgh has to offer. Wiz Khalifa’s music group and label, Taylor Gang is known countrywide and even recognized in other countries as well. Wopo, like other rappers coming out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania had bigger aspirations and goals that expanded outside of city and even state limits.
Long Live Wopo
In the very same neighborhood he grew up in, Jimmy Wopo was a victim of a drive-by shooting on June 18, 2018. He was fatally shot and did not survive the senseless act of violence. It’s not fair to see a young Black man like Travon Smart be denied of making it out of the city due to insensible actions. Right before he was shot, Wopo signed with Taylor Gang and had plans to move out of Pittsburgh to finally escape the violence surrounding him. He was only twenty one years old at the time of his unfortunate death.
His music will live on forever especially throughout his hometown. Listeners easily feel the passion in Wopo’s songs and could tell he was constantly evolving. Taylor Gang missed out on a generational talent who would have been an irreplaceable asset to the world-renowned music label.
