Chief Keef, the American rapper, has a net worth of $1 million. Known for pioneering the “mumble rap” and “drill” sub-genres of rap music, Chief Keef, also known as “Sosa,” has made a significant impact on the hip-hop world. Despite his influence, Keef has faced numerous legal and financial issues throughout his career.
What Was Chief Keef’s Interscope Deal?
In June 2013, Chief Keef signed a lucrative contract with Interscope Records, reportedly worth over $6 million. The three-album deal included a $440,000 advance and $300,000 to cover recording expenses for a commercial version of “Finally Rich.” He also received a $180,000 advance for his record label, Glory Boyz Entertainment, and $200,000 for record label overhead expenses. However, the contract allowed Interscope to cancel the deal if “Finally Rich” did not sell 250,000 copies by December 2013. The album sold only 150,000 copies, leading to Chief Keef being dropped by Interscope in mid-October 2014.
How Did Chief Keef Continue His Career Post-Interscope?
After being dropped by Interscope, Chief Keef continued to release projects through his own Glo Gang label, including “Nobody” (2014), “Back from the Dead 2” (2014), “Bang 3” (2015), and “Thot Breaker” (2017). In June 2022, he announced a partnership with RBC Records and BMG Rights Management to start the label, 43B.
What Legal Issues Has Chief Keef Faced?
Chief Keef’s legal troubles began at the age of 16 when he was charged with heroin distribution and manufacturing, resulting in house arrest. That same year, he pointed a handgun at police officers, leading to charges of assaulting a police officer with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon, and another house arrest sentence. At 17, Keef was accused of paying an assassin to kill a rival and was found to have violated parole by visiting a shooting range, leading to a two-month juvenile detention sentence in 2013.
In 2013, Chief Keef was sued by a promotion company for $75,000 for failing to show up for a scheduled concert in London, England, and was ordered to pay $230,000 in damages. Throughout the year, he faced multiple arrests for smoking marijuana in public, speeding, and parole violations. Over the next few years, he faced lawsuits for missing concerts, arrests for smoking marijuana in public, driving under the influence, and allegedly robbing producer Ramsay Tha Great.
Chief Keef has also dealt with various child support claims, having nine children over his lifetime. In some cases, DNA tests were required to confirm paternity, and warrants were issued for his arrest when he failed to appear in court.
What Real Estate Issues Has Chief Keef Encountered?
Chief Keef has been evicted from several rental properties throughout his career. In 2014, he was renting a property in Highland Park, Los Angeles, for $11,000 per month and fell behind on rent, owing over $30,000. Concerns from neighbors about his use of firearms and the large number of guests at his property eventually led to his eviction.
What is Chief Keef’s Early Life Like?
Keith Farrelle Cozart, known as Chief Keef, was born on August 15, 1995, in Chicago. Raised by a 16-year-old mother, he grew up in the low-income apartment complex known as “O-Block” on the South Side of Chicago. A member of the Black Disciples gang, Keef began creating raps at the age of five using his grandmother’s karaoke machine. He dropped out of high school at 15 to pursue music full-time.
How Did Chief Keef Start His Music Career?
Chief Keef gained notoriety as a 16-year-old with mixtapes such as “The Glory Road” and “Bang.” Placed under house arrest for legal issues, he began uploading tracks to YouTube. One of these songs, “I Don’t Like,” became a major hit and helped start the drill rap subgenre. Kanye West remixed the song, further boosting Keef’s fame. He then signed a lucrative deal with Interscope Records and released his debut studio album, “Finally Rich,” in 2012. The album featured hits like “Love Sosa.”
What Has Chief Keef’s Career Been Like After Interscope?
After his Interscope deal ended, Chief Keef continued to release music independently. He admitted that the quality of his releases had suffered due to drug addiction issues. Despite this, he released mixtapes like “Back From The Dead 2,” which he produced himself. Keef also took a stance against gang violence after a shooting incident claimed the lives of his associate Marvin Carr and a 13-month-old baby, organizing a benefit concert in Carr’s honor.
What Are Chief Keef’s Future Plans?
In recent years, Chief Keef has released fewer mixtapes and tracks. In 2016, he announced his retirement but continued to collaborate with high-profile artists. In 2019, he revealed plans to release “Almighty So 2” and produced the Lil Uzi Vert track “Chrome Heart Tags.” Despite his legal and financial struggles, Keef remains a significant figure in the rap industry, known for his influence on the drill and mumble rap subgenres.
Conclusion
Chief Keef’s net worth of $1 million reflects his tumultuous career marked by significant musical contributions and numerous legal and financial challenges. From his early days in Chicago’s South Side to pioneering new rap subgenres, Keef’s journey is a testament to his influence on the hip-hop world. Despite setbacks, he continues to be a prominent figure in rap, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.