Keith Farrelle Cozart, known as Chief Keef, is an American rapper and record producer born on August 15, 1995, in Chicago’s South Side. He gained prominence in the early 2010s for his mixtapes and is credited with popularizing the drill hip-hop subgenre.
His fifth mixtape, Back from the Dead (2012), featured the hit single “I Don’t Like,” leading to a major label deal with Interscope Records. His debut album, Finally Rich (2012), included the quintuple platinum hit “Love Sosa.” Subsequent albums have also charted on the Billboard 200.
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Chief Keef Net Worth
Chief Keef has an estimated net worth of $1 million but has faced eviction from multiple rental properties throughout his career. In 2014, he rented a 5,600-square-foot home in Highland Park, Los Angeles, for $11,000 per month.
However, he fell behind on rent, accumulating over $30,000 in unpaid dues. Concerns from neighbors arose due to his reported use of firearms in the backyard and the constant influx of guests at the property. Ultimately, these issues led to his eviction from the rental.
Early life
Chief Keef, born Keith Farrelle Cozart on August 15, 1995, in Chicago, Illinois, was raised by his mother, Lolita Carter, who was only 14 at the time. Named after his late uncle, he grew up in the Parkway Garden Homes on the South Side, an area associated with the Black Disciples gang, to which he belongs. Estranged from his father since infancy, his grandmother, Margaret Carter, became his legal guardian. Chief Keef began rapping at age five, using his mother’s karaoke machine, and dropped out of high school during his freshman year.
Career
Chief Keef began rapping in 2008, releasing his debut mixtape, UF Overload, in 2009. He gained local attention in 2011 with his mixtapes, The Glory Road and Bang. After an arrest for firing a gun in December, he was placed under house arrest, during which he posted videos that helped pioneer the drill subgenre.
His breakout single, “I Don’t Like,” caught the attention of Kanye West, leading to a $6 million deal with Interscope Records. Keef’s debut album, Finally Rich, was released on December 18, 2012.
Personal life
At 16, Chief Keef became a father to his first daughter. In November 2013, DNA tests revealed he fathered another daughter with a woman twenty years his senior, resulting in child support obligations. He announced the birth of his first son in September 2014.
Keef faced legal issues regarding paternity claims, including a lawsuit in May 2015. After relocating to Los Angeles in 2014 following eviction, he found solace and inspiration in art collecting and expressed that the move helped him grow and escape trouble in Chicago.
Did Chief Keef Go Platinum?
Yes, his groundbreaking singles “I Don’t Like” and “Love Sosa” have both achieved platinum status, nearly five years post-release – a testament to their enduring popularity and his musical influence.
Conclusion
Chief Keef’s journey from the tough neighborhoods of Chicago to becoming a millionaire and a genre-defining artist is a tale of talent, resilience, and savvy business acumen. His influence extends beyond music, shaping an entire generation of artists and redefining the economic blueprint for modern rappers. His story stands as a testament to the power of authenticity and innovation in building a lasting legacy in the music industry.
FAQs about Chief Keef
- Who is Chief Keef? Chief Keef, born Keith Farrelle Cozart, is an American rapper, producer, and entrepreneur, primarily known for his significant role in popularizing the drill music genre. Emerging from the South Side of Chicago, he gained fame with his raw and authentic musical style, reflective of his upbringing and experiences.
- What is Chief Keef’s most popular song? Chief Keef’s most renowned song is arguably “I Don’t Like,” which became a viral hit and was instrumental in putting him on the map as a leading figure in the hip-hop world. Another notable track, “Love Sosa,” has also received widespread acclaim and platinum certification.
- Has Chief Keef won any music awards? As of my last update, Chief Keef hasn’t received any major music awards. However, his impact on the music industry, particularly in the drill music scene, has been profound, influencing countless artists and shaping the genre significantly.
- How has Chief Keef influenced the music industry? Chief Keef has influenced the music industry by being one of the pioneers of drill music, a subgenre of rap characterized by its grim, violent lyricism and trap-influenced beats. His style and persona have inspired a new generation of artists, including names like Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, and many others across various music genres.
- What is Chief Keef’s net worth, and how did he earn it? Chief Keef’s net worth is estimated at around $10 million. He earned his wealth through a combination of his music career, including album sales, digital streaming, and live performances, as well as his entrepreneurial ventures, such as his record label, Glo Gang. His wealth also stems from various business deals and investments.
