43B

Chief Keef
Born	Keith Farrelle Cozart (1995-08-15) August 15, 1995 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Rapper, music producer
Years active	2008–present
Known for	Bringing drill music into mainstream awareness; debut album Finally Rich

Keith Farrelle Cozart (born August 15, 1995), widely known by his stage name Chief Keef, is an American rapper and music producer. Hailing from South Side Chicago, he launched his musical journey as a teenager, gaining local recognition through early mixtape releases during the 2010s. Cozart is widely acknowledged for bringing the hip hop subgenre drill into mainstream awareness and is considered a foundational figure in the development of the style.

His fifth mixtape, Back from the Dead (2012), included the track "I Don't Like" featuring Lil Reese, which became a regional success and marked his initial appearance on the Billboard Hot 100. This success sparked a competitive bidding among major record labels, culminating in Cozart signing with Interscope Records. Interscope commercially reissued this single alongside "Love Sosa", both of which achieved quintuple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). These hits served as lead singles for his debut studio album, Finally Rich (2012), which attained moderate commercial success and critical reception, remaining his sole major-label project.

Following this, Chief Keef released several independent albums—Bang 3 (2015), Bang 3, Pt. 2 (2015), 4Nem (2021), and Almighty So 2 (2024)—all of which appeared on the Billboard 200. Furthermore, his featured performances on Lil Uzi Vert's "Bean (Kobe)" and Drake's "All the Parties" reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Early life, family and education

Keith Farrelle Cozart entered the world on August 15, 1995, in Chicago, Illinois, born to Lolita Carter. He was named in honor of his late uncle Keith Carter ("Big Keef"). Raised in the Parkway Garden Homes located on Chicago's South Side, an area associated with the Black Disciples gang—of which Chief Keef is a member—his identity has been closely linked to this affiliation, as noted by sociologist R. L'Heureux Lewis-McCoy.

Cozart has had no contact with his biological father, Alfonso Cozart, since he was one year old. His grandmother, Margaret Carter—a school bus driver—acted as his legal guardian and raised him in Chicago. He began experimenting with rapping at age five using a karaoke machine owned by his mother.

His formal education included attendance at Dulles Elementary and Dyett High School, though he left school during his freshman year.

Early years, Finally Rich, and subsequent mixtapes (2011–2013)

Chief Keef embarked on his rap career in 2008 and dropped his first mixtape, UF Overload, in 2009. He started gaining local momentum in 2011 with mixtapes such as The Glory Road and Bang. After an arrest related to gunfire in Washington Park, Chicago in December of that year, he was placed under house arrest at his grandmother’s residence for two months. During this period, he uploaded videos that played a significant role in shaping Chicago’s drill music scene.

Early collaboration with Japanese producer DJ Kenn proved instrumental; Kenn heavily influenced Chief Keef’s initial projects and was integral to the Glory Boys Entertainment (GBE) collective.

The track "I Don't Like" emerged as a hit within Chicago and caught the attention of Kanye West, who produced a remix featuring Pusha T, Jadakiss, and Big Sean. This remix significantly expanded Chief Keef’s exposure.

By 2012, Chief Keef attracted interest from several record labels including Young Jeezy's CTE World. He ultimately signed with Interscope Records, securing a $6 million contract covering three albums along with a $440,000 advance to establish GBE as his label imprint. The deal included a clause allowing Interscope to drop him if his debut album Finally Rich (released December 18, 2012) did not sell at least 250,000 copies by December 2013. The album featured collaborations with artists such as 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, and GBE affiliate Lil Reese. In May 2013, he also inked a deal with 1017 Brick Squad Records.

Chief Keef contributed to Kanye West’s track "Hold My Liquor" from the album Yeezus (June 18, 2013), receiving acclaim for his emotive performance.

On August 15, 2013—his eighteenth birthday—he released the mixtape Bang, Pt. 2, followed by Almighty Sosa in October; both projects garnered mixed critical responses. After serving time in jail later that year, he began work on a sophomore studio album alongside plans for a biographical film.

Nobody and Bang 3 (2014–2016)

Beginning in 2014, Chief Keef took on the role of producer for his own music, emphasizing mood and atmosphere over lyrical complexity. He revealed plans for the mixtape Bang 3 and offered a preview through the EP titled Bang 4. His collaborative efforts during this period included a joint album with Fredo Santana and the single "Fuck Rehab," featuring his cousin Mario "Blood Money" Hess, whose contribution became his last recording prior to his passing in April 2014. Although Interscope executive Larry Jackson announced a June 10 release date for Bang 3, the project experienced several postponements.

By October 2014, Chief Keef was dropped from Interscope but assured fans that all forthcoming projects, including Bang 3, would still be released. Young Chop openly criticized the label’s decision to sever ties. Despite missing the intended December release, Chief Keef successfully unveiled the collaborative mixtape Big Gucci Sosa alongside Gucci Mane and independently released Back from the Dead 2 digitally. He produced most of the tracks on this latter mixtape himself, receiving acclaim for his debut as a producer and earning a spot as number 25 on Rolling Stone's list of top rap albums for 2014.

In November, Chief Keef announced Nobody, described as a "Glo Producer album," featuring contributions from Kanye West and Tadoe; it was released in December 2014. The emotionally charged title song attracted favorable reviews, with Pitchfork assigning the album a score of 7.0 out of 10.

On February 18, 2015, he dropped the 20-track mixtape Sorry 4 the Weight, noted for its cohesive sound and advancement in production quality. The project contained few guest appearances. His track "Faneto," initially released in late 2014, steadily gained popularity throughout 2015. That year also saw him announce his upcoming album, The Cozart, and sign with FilmOn, a streaming service owned by billionaire Alki David. In an unusual promotional move for Bang 3, Keef named his son Sno FilmOn Dot Com Cozart; however, FilmOn later withdrew their naming rights.

Tragedy struck in July 2015 when Marvin Carr (Capo), affiliated with Glo Gang, was killed in a drive-by shooting that also claimed the life of a toddler. In response, Chief Keef organized a free benefit concert tribute and founded the Stop the Violence Now Foundation aimed at reducing crime in Chicago. Due to legal restrictions, he performed via hologram from Beverly Hills.

The concert faced multiple delays after Chicago officials voiced concerns about Keef’s influence on youth. Efforts to relocate the event to Hammond, Indiana were blocked by local law enforcement citing public safety issues; Hammond’s mayor referenced Keef’s controversial reputation as justification for banning the show. Nonetheless, Keef’s holographic performance included an appeal for peace before delivering "I Don't Like." Critics argued that these restrictions infringed upon his First Amendment rights.

In November 2015, FilmOn suspended Chief Keef’s contract amid management conflicts and subsequently filed a lawsuit against his team over unauthorized music releases.

Dedication, Glotoven and Almighty So 2 (since 2016)

In March 2016, Chief Keef announced his retirement from rapping amid a decline in output but quickly returned to music by featuring on Machine Gun Kelly's track "Young Man" and releasing the 17-song mixtape Two Zero One Seven in January 2017. This pattern echoed other artists like Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj who declared retirements before resuming their careers.

Ahead of releasing his third studio album, Dedication, on December 1, 2017, Chief Keef dropped four mixtapes. The Guardian described Dedication as his "most fulfilling album to date," highlighting a deliberate effort to reaffirm his artistic significance.

Throughout 2018, he released several mixtapes such as Mansion Musick, Back from the Dead 3, and installments within The Leek series. He broadened collaborations with artists including Playboi Carti, Soulja Boy, G Herbo, and Trippie Redd—aligning himself with peers amid ongoing disputes that shaped strategic alliances.

Early in 2019, Chief Keef partnered with producer Zaytoven on the mixtape Glotoven, which debuted on March 15 and was promoted by the single "Spy Kid". He also announced another mixtape titled Almighty So 2, featuring artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Soulja Boy, and Lil Reese. Singles such as "Fireman" with Youngboy Never Broke Again and "Boost" supported this release campaign.

In March 2020, Chief Keef earned a notable production credit on Lil Uzi Vert's album Eternal Atake with the track "Chrome Heart Tags". Additionally, he provided vocals on Uzi’s Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World 2 on the song "Bean (Kobe)", which became his highest-charting Hot 100 entry at number 19—a significant commercial achievement.

Other ventures

Glo Gang

Under his contract with Interscope Records, Chief Keef founded his own label imprint known as Glory Boyz Entertainment (GBE), with ownership split as follows: Chief Keef and manager Rovan Manuel each held 40%, while Fredo Santana (his cousin), uncle Alonzo Carter, and Anthony H. Dade shared the remaining 20%. GBE signed artists such as Lil Reese, Fredo Santana, and producer Young Chop.

Established in 2011, GBE primarily focused on releasing mixtapes rather than operating as a full-fledged record company. Following Chief Keef's debut studio album Finally Rich in 2012, there were plans to release Lil Reese’s album along with other mixtapes. However, on January 3, 2014, Chief Keef declared the dissolution of Glory Boyz Entertainment and introduced a new label called Glo Gang. Before his passing, Blood Money identified Glo Gang members as Chief Keef himself, Tray Savage, Ballout, Capo, Tadoe, JusGlo, and Blood Money.

Current artists

• Chief Keef
• Tadoe
• Ballout
• DooWop
• Lil Flash
• Benji Flo
• Terintino
• JusGlo
• SmokeCamp Chino

Former artists

• Lil Reese
• Lucki
• Tray Savage (deceased)
• Fredo Santana (deceased)
• Gino Marley
• Capo (deceased)
• Blood Money (deceased)
• SD
• Snap Dogg
• Rocaine

43B

Chief Keef announced on June 6, 2022 that he had launched a new record label called 43B (Forget Everybody) through a collaboration with RBC Records and BMG Rights Management. The label’s inaugural signee is Lil Gnar.

Personal life

Chief Keef became a father at age sixteen when his first daughter was born. In November 2013, DNA testing revealed he had fathered another daughter who was ten months old at that time with a woman twenty years older than him; this led to court-ordered child support payments. By September 2014, he announced the birth of his third child—and first son.

In May 2015, an additional paternity lawsuit was filed against him; after failing to respond or appear in court proceedings, authorities issued a bench warrant for his arrest. Despite these legal difficulties, LA Weekly observed that Chief Keef appeared committed to fatherhood based on his Instagram posts.

In 2012, explicit material posted by Chief Keef resulted in Instagram banning his original account for violating platform policies; he subsequently created new accounts with ongoing media attention given to his social media presence.

In August 2015, controversy arose when he named his newborn son Sno "FilmOn Dot Com," after his record label FilmOn Music—a promotional tactic linked to his album Bang 3. This name was later withdrawn amid disputes over paternity rights.

Two of Chief Keef's cousins—Fredo Santana and Tadoe—were signed under Glory Boyz Entertainment. His stepbrother was fatally shot in January 2013. Another cousin Mario Hess (Big Glo), who had recently signed with Interscope Records weeks before being killed in Chicago in April 2014; Chief Keef cited Big Glo’s death as an important life lesson motivating him toward maturity.

Following eviction from his Highland Park residence in June 2014—despite landlord claims that he was a good tenant—the police confirmed it was an eviction rather than voluntary departure. Subsequently relocating to Los Angeles allowed him to engage in art collecting after discovering painter Bill da Butcher during rehab sessions; da Butcher created custom artwork specifically for him. Chief Keef credited this move with positive personal change: "I got away from all the unnecessary trouble... I like living out here. I think it improved me. It changed me and [inspired] me to go somewhere bigger."

Legal issues

On January 27, 2011, Chief Keef was apprehended on charges related to heroin manufacturing and distribution; as a juvenile offender he was classified as "delinquent" and served house arrest time instead of incarceration. In December of that year while holding a coat over his waistband during a police stop he dropped it suddenly revealing a firearm then fled; after pointing the gun multiple times at officers during pursuit they discharged their weapons but missed him. He was captured carrying a loaded weapon and charged with aggravated assault against officers along with unlawful use of a weapon and resisting arrest; he spent four weeks in juvenile detention before being sentenced again to house arrest.

On September 5, 2012 Chicago Police investigated him regarding possible involvement in fellow rapper Joseph Coleman (Lil JoJo)'s shooting death following provocative social media commentary by Chief Keef. Prosecutors alleged parole violations later that year after video surfaced showing him firing shots at a range; court orders compelled media outlets to provide footage related to this incident.

Between late 2012 and early 2013 multiple judicial summonses were issued concerning alleged parole infractions including failure to notify parole officers about address changes; despite requests for incarceration judges allowed him continued freedom due to insufficient evidence. However on January 15, 2013 he was detained for probation violation connected to shooting range video footage and sentenced to two months juvenile detention before release in March.

On January 17, 2013 Washington-based promotion company Team Major sued him for $75,000 due to missing a scheduled London performance at O2 Arena; ignoring this lawsuit resulted in default judgment ordering payment of $230,019 damages.

Throughout 2013 multiple arrests occurred involving marijuana possession charges along with disorderly conduct citations; speeding violations included driving at speeds exceeding twice legal limits (110 mph in a zone limited to fifty-five). Probation violations related primarily to drug use resulted in fines community service probationary periods jail time followed by early release for good behavior.

In March of 2014 he faced arrest for driving under influence of marijuana coupled with driving while license suspended; additionally Kim Productions sued him seeking $15k deposit after failure to appear at Cleveland benefit concert.

June of that year saw eviction from Highland Park home despite landlord describing him positively though police confirmed eviction status officially.

January of 2017 brought arrest accusations involving assaulting robbing producer Ramsay Tha Great though charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence; June arrest occurred in South Dakota related cannabis possession paraphernalia charges followed by bond release April of next year resulted no contest plea suspended sentence outcome.

Image

Template:Listen Chief Keef personifies Chicago's gangsta rap subculture often dubbed "Chiraq," frequently adopting the moniker "Sosa," inspired by Alejandro Sosa—the drug lord character from Scarface. Within Glo Gang circles he is revered as both a prolific lyricist ("rhyming machine") and musical innovator ("music genius"), earning comparisons akin to being considered a "Black Justin Bieber."

According to The New York Times, Chief Keef stands as an emblematic figurehead within Chicago’s drill music scene representing its most prominent young rapper. In its coverage during 2012 ‘’The Guardian’’ referred to him as drill's definitive “alpha male,” while ‘’Pitchfork’’ praised his distinctive cohesive approach toward street rap aesthetics. Parallels have been drawn between him and rapper Fifty Cent due to their shared incorporation of thug personas early in their careers. While some artists such as Common praise his raw authenticity others including Lupe Fiasco and Rhymefest have openly criticized both his image and lyrical content sparking public disputes.

Legacy

Chief Keef is widely acknowledged as an influential pioneer within contemporary hip-hop credited with originating Chicago drill music alongside mumble rap through melodic slurred vocal delivery styles. His artistic approach has inspired numerous artists including but not limited to:21 Savage Lil Uzi Vert Playboi Carti Juice Wrld Polo G as well as mainstream pop performers like Doja Cat Billie Eilish . His signature use of adlibs—particularly “aye”—has helped shape Soundcloud rap subgenre aesthetics.Rolling Stone credits him as embodying Chicago drill culture while ‘’Stereogum’’ regards him as one of modern rap’s folk heroes.

In notable pop culture moments such as boxer Gervonta Davis entering fights against Ryan Garcia accompanied by Chief Keef’s "Love Sosa", further cementing cultural impact.He is also recognized for popularizing slang terms including “glow up,” “smoking [opps],”and “thot,” which have become widespread across hip-hop vernacular.

Chief Keef is among prominent members representing Black Disciples gang within his generation underscoring deep roots within Chicago street culture influencing both musical output public image alike.

Hip hop feuds

In August of 2012 Lupe Fiasco labeled Chief Keef as “hoodlum” associated with rising homicide rates in Chicago prompting threatening tweets from accounts linked or claimed by Chief Keef though later attributed hacking incidents.Fiasco apologized publicly via video interview subsequently.

November of that year saw physical altercation between rap collective Migos confronting Glo Gang member Capo leading Chief Keef posting images allegedly depicting stolen jewelry belonging Migos member Quavo escalating tensions which eventually de-escalated over time.

A feud began between Chief Keef rapper Tekashi69 (6ix9ine) around May of 2018 rooted partly in conflicts involving Tadoe Cuban Doll.The conflict featured public insults directed at both parties including visits by Tekashi69 into former neighborhoods associated with Chief Keef alongside provocative interactions involving Slim Danger mother one of Chief Keef’s sons.On May8 Trippie Redd previewed diss track “I Kill People” featuring both Chief Keef Tadoe targeting Tekashi69 Cuban Doll.On June2 Chief Keef survived shooting outside New York City W Hotel prompting NYPD investigation into Tekashi69 involvement despite latter residing Los Angeles at time.In February following year Tekashi69 pled guilty offering $20k contract killing attempt against Chief Keef later revealed cooperating government informant aiding arrest associates Kintea “Kooda B” McKenzie Kifano “Shotti” Jordan

Discography

Main article: Chief Keef discography

Solo studio albums

• Finally Rich (2012)
• Bang 3 (2015)
• Dedication (2017)
• 4Nem (2021)
• Almighty So 2 (2024)

Collaborative albums

• Nobody (with12Hunna) (2014)