Keith Farrelle Cozart, universally known by his stage name Chief Keef, was born on August 15, 1995, in Chicago, Illinois. His mother was just 16 years old at the time of his birth, a situation mirrored by Chief Keef himself, who became a father at the same age to his daughter, Kay Kay. Raised primarily in Chicago's notoriously violent Englewood neighborhood on the South Side, Cozart’s childhood and adolescence were steeped in gang affiliations, notably with the O'Block set of the Black Disciples (BDs). His music often incorporates explicit gang terminology and references, contributing significantly to his controversial public persona.
Chief Keef's path into music gained substantial traction during the early 2010s, driven initially by viral videos on platforms like YouTube. Early songs such as "Bang" and "3Hunna" generated local buzz, but it was his hit single "I Don't Like" that catapulted him into national prominence. The track's profile dramatically increased after fellow Chicago native Kanye West remixed it alongside Pusha T, Big Sean, and Jadakiss. This high-profile remix not only enhanced Chief Keef's visibility but also spotlighted the emerging drill music scene in Chicago.
In 2012, amid significant industry competition, Chief Keef signed a multi-million-dollar deal with Interscope Records, which notably included his own imprint, Glory Boyz Entertainment (GBE). His debut album, "Finally Rich," was released on December 18, 2012, featuring collaborations with artists such as Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, Young Jeezy, and 50 Cent, and showcasing contributions from fellow GBE members. Although critically acknowledged, the album did not meet the label’s commercial expectations, ultimately leading Interscope to terminate his contract by October 2014.
Following his split with Interscope, Chief Keef briefly collaborated with Gucci Mane's 1017 Brick Squad Records, signaling a continued exploration of label affiliations. Eventually, he chose independence, establishing his own label, Glo Gang, originally known as Glory Boyz Entertainment. Under this imprint, he has maintained prolific output, releasing influential mixtapes and albums such as "Bang 3," "Sorry 4 the Weight," and "Almighty So 2." Chief Keef's independent approach has allowed him significant artistic freedom, solidifying his status as a foundational figure within drill music, influencing countless artists in Chicago and globally.
Legal Troubles and Gang Involvement
Chief Keef's career has been repeatedly overshadowed by significant legal issues. His first notable arrest came in 2011 for heroin distribution, resulting in a house-arrest sentence. Later that year, he was charged with aggravated assault on police officers after fleeing and allegedly brandishing a firearm during a chase, leading to his placement in juvenile detention followed by house arrest.
Chief Keef also became embroiled in a high-profile rivalry with Joseph "Lil JoJo" Coleman, a rapper affiliated with the rival Gangster Disciples set, Brick Squad (not related to Gucci Mane’s label). The feud escalated publicly through diss tracks until Lil JoJo was tragically murdered on September 4, 2012. A controversial tweet appearing on Keef’s Twitter account mocking JoJo’s death intensified suspicions, though Keef later claimed his account had been hacked. Despite the controversy, no charges were ever filed against him regarding JoJo’s death.
Additional legal setbacks included probation violations resulting from firearms handling during a Pitchfork Media interview, multiple traffic violations, drug-related arrests, and DUI charges. Collectively, these incidents have severely impacted his personal and professional trajectory.
Industry Feuds and Controversies
Chief Keef has frequently found himself at the center of public conflicts:
- **Rhymefest**: In 2012, rapper Rhymefest criticized Chief Keef as symbolic of violence exploited by the music industry, sparking broader conversations about cultural responsibility. Chief Keef did not publicly respond.
- **Lupe Fiasco**: Lupe Fiasco expressed concerns in 2012 about Keef’s influence on youth culture, prompting an aggressive online response from Keef’s account. Keef later claimed the tweet was a result of hacking, and the dispute was subsequently diffused.
- **Instagram Incident**: Chief Keef's original Instagram account was banned after he posted explicit sexual content in 2012. He later created a new account.
- **Katy Perry**: A Twitter dispute erupted after Perry criticized his song "Hate Bein' Sober," leading Keef to respond aggressively. Perry subsequently apologized, clarifying her comment was general rather than personal, and Keef eventually dismissed the situation.
- **Shy Glizzy**: The feud with Washington D.C. rapper Shy Glizzy involved diss tracks and collaborations with mutual rivals, leading to ongoing tensions reflected in their music.
- **GBE vs. MUBU**: Rivalries between Chief Keef’s GBE/Glo Gang and King Louie's MUBU crew escalated into physical altercations, notably involving rapper Ballout and Soulja Boy’s stolen chain, further fueling the rivalry between these crews.
- **Lil Durk (GBE vs. OTF)**: A significant dispute arose between Chief Keef and fellow Chicago rapper Lil Durk, initially sparked by Keef's failure to assist Durk financially after an arrest. Their public exchanges on social media exacerbated tensions between their respective camps, reflecting broader gang dynamics.
Departure from Interscope Records and Independent Success
By October 2014, Chief Keef’s relationship with Interscope Records had significantly deteriorated. After failing to meet commercial expectations with his debut album and amid ongoing legal and public controversies, Interscope opted to terminate their contract. This move marked a turning point, propelling Chief Keef toward full independence. Under his Glo Gang label, he has since released numerous successful independent projects, continuing to exert significant influence on hip-hop culture.
Personal Life and Tragedies
Chief Keef’s personal life has been marked by multiple tragedies, including the death of his stepbrother, Ulysses "Chris" Gissendanner III, who was fatally shot on January 2, 2013. His lack of contact with his biological father and the early loss of family and friends have significantly shaped his lyrical content, emphasizing themes of loss, resilience, and street life.
Chief Keef remains one of drill music's most impactful figures, his career trajectory reflecting both the genre's global reach and the profound personal and systemic challenges faced by artists emerging from marginalized urban environments.