Keith Farell cozart, better known as Chief Keef, is one of the most influential rappers of of the last decade. He grew up in Parkway Garden Homes, better known as O-block. His rough upbringing influenced his unique style of rap. From his “drill” rap to his melodic autotune singing chief’s influence on today’s rap cannot be denied. His influence is far-reaching and has effected many rappers who enjoy massive success today. Artists like Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi and many more are essentially making their careers on the back of a sound that Chief Keef created. From the disconnected, staccato, flows and production style of Lil Pump and Smokepurpp, to the spacey and melodic auto-tune singing that Carti and Uzi practice, his influence spans across stylistic borders.The “drill” rap movement was largely popularized by Chief Keef. The “drill” movement was influenced by the gang culture in Chicago. Opposing gangs would send songs to each other threatening violence. This cannot be more evident than in the death of Lil Jojo. Lil Jojo was a young Chicago drill rapper who was killed after beefing with Chief Keef. Up to this point many fans thought Chief was “fake” and not “about it”, Lil Jojo’s death proved to fans and viewers that Chief wasn’t lying in his music. This authenticity made Chief Keef appealing to fans and helped drill rap rise in popularity.While “I Don’t Like” and Finally Rich were massively successful, the public enjoyed Keef’s personality and antics more than they did his music. This can be seen today with rappers such as 6ix9ine and Lil Pump starting their career by doing stupid stuff on the internet. Even Keef’s backstory was intriguing. His hit video "I Don't Like" was filmed in Keef’s grandmother’s house because he was on house arrest. He was on house arrest because of a 2011 arrest where he was charged with aiming a gun at a police officer and then fleeing. Stories like this only added to the Chief Keef lore and helped create a fervent fanbase that loved him for who he was. Lingo used by soundcloud rappers came from Chicago.
| Best rapper out of Chicago | Made drll rap popular |
| Made the best albulm of 2012 "Finally Rich" | Said "I think my choppa gay I pulled him out the closet" |
| Made it out of O block | Made a banger while under house arrest at his grandma's house |