Keith Farrelle Cozart, professionally known as Chief Keef, is an American rapper, singer, and record producer widely credited as a pioneer of the Chicago drill music scene. His gritty, street-oriented lyrics and raw production style influenced an entire generation of hip-hop artists and helped bring drill music to a global audience.
Early Life and Background
Chief Keef was born on August 15, 1995, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago and began rapping and recording music at a young age. By his early teens, he was uploading music videos and mixtapes online, gaining attention in the local hip-hop community.
Career Beginnings
Chief Keef started gaining recognition with songs like Bang and 3Hunna. His breakout came in 2012 with the viral success of I Don’t Like, which was later remixed by Kanye West and G.O.O.D. Music. This exposure propelled him to the forefront of the drill movement.
Rise to Fame
In late 2012, Chief Keef signed a major record deal with Interscope Records and released his debut album, Finally Rich (2012), featuring hits like Love Sosa and Hate Bein’ Sober. The project cemented his reputation as one of the most influential new artists of the era.
Musical Style and Influence
Chief Keef’s music is characterized by heavy bass, dark melodies, and raw lyricism that reflects life in Chicago’s streets. His influence can be heard in modern trap and drill artists worldwide, including rappers from New York, London, and beyond.
Recent Highlights
Despite label changes and controversies, Chief Keef has remained active, independently releasing numerous mixtapes and albums. His cult following continues to grow, with younger artists citing him as a major influence on their sound and approach to music.
Personal Life
Chief Keef is known for living a relatively private life outside of music. He has faced legal challenges throughout his career but has continued to focus on music production and mentoring younger artists through his label, Glo Gang.
Legacy and Impact
Chief Keef is considered a pioneer of drill music and one of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop. His early success as a teenager paved the way for artists to use online platforms to build careers outside traditional music industry structures.
Net Worth
Chief Keef’s net worth is estimated to be in the millions, coming from music sales, streaming revenue, live shows, merchandise, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Summary
From his early days in Chicago to becoming a global symbol of drill music, Chief Keef’s impact on hip-hop is undeniable. His music continues to inspire new generations of rappers and fans, solidifying his place as a cultural icon in modern rap history.