We’re not even a full month into 2013, but Chief Keef has been having one hell of a year. Only twelve months ago, Keef was a virtual unknown Chicago teen who would take the rap game by storm with just about everybody adding, “That’s that sh-t I don’t like,” to the end of their sentences.
The youngster, born Keith Cozart, spent next to nothing making the video for his “I Don’t Like” single, amassed millions of views on YouTube, signed a huge deal with Interscope and kept on living as if nothing had changed. But chances are that Keef didn’t think he’d go from local rapper to the poster boy for destruction.
Stories about his legal troubles have long since surpassed media clips on his music. Amid the fury Keef released “Love Sosa,” a track that earned praise from Drake, and became another Internet hit for the teen father. By December, his Finally Rich debut hit the atmosphere selling 50,000 copies in its first week. There’s no way to tell if his criminal record is having any effect (be it negative or positive) on his album sales, but controversy has been known to give artists an extra push in the popularity department.
Since it’s only January there’s still time for the 17-year-old to turn things around, but you can’t move forward without knowing where you came from.
Take a look back at some of the bad decisions that garnered Keef less than positive press, and here’s hoping that he can turn things around.
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Photo: Bossip
The Pitchfork Interview
Participating in an interview at a gun range, when you’re on probation isn’t very smart, but this was just the tip of the iceberg.
Blasting Kanye
Kanye didn’t necessarily put Chief Keef on, but giving “I Don’t Like” his stamp of approval was still a good look. How did the teen respond? By saying that Ye did nothing for his career. Yikes.
Laughing Off Lil JoJo’s Death
Keef making fun of fellow Chicago rapper Lil JoJo being gunned down may have been one of the lowest moments of his ongoing story. It also resulted in an investigation into his possible connection to the rapper’s death.
(Allegedly) Threatening Lupe Fiasco
After trying to adopt a more “positive” image, words from Lupe Fiasco rubbed Keef the wrong way. He tweeted threats to Lupe, only to claim that his account was hacked.
Posting Child P*rn Online
We’re (still) not going to post the pic, but last summer Keef put up an image with a young girl giving him oral pleasure. Instagram temporarily disabled his account for the act.
Skipping His Own Video Shoot
When a rap vet agrees to collaborate, the least you can do is show up for the video shoot.
Being Sued For Child Support By A Middle Schooler
This is just…
Gang Affiliated
Throwing up gang signs–with your mom no less? Wow.
Game Over?
Hopefully two months in custody will give him a little time to think and potentially make a change. But who knows.
