Chief Keef

Chief Keef, born Keith Farrelle Cozart, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer recognized for his influence on hip-hop and the development of the drill subgenre. Cozart played a significant role in bringing drill music to mainstream audiences and is often cited as a key figure in the genre's emergence. Rising to prominence as a teenager, Cozart's music reflects the realities of street life on Chicago's South Side, with a style marked by dark, Southern trap-influenced beats and direct, gritty lyrics. His sound helped define Chicago drill rap and has influenced a new generation of artists in the hip-hop industry.

Cozart began his career at 16 with the single "I Don't Like," gaining popularity in Chicago's high school circuit before mixtapes and viral videos led to a contract with Interscope Records. His mixtape "Back from the Dead" produced the single "I Don't Like" featuring Lil Reese, which achieved local success and entered the Billboard Hot 100. The track attracted the attention of Kanye West, who remixed it with Big Sean, Pusha T, and Jadakiss. Cozart released his debut studio album "Finally Rich," featuring singles such as "I Don't Like," "Hate Bein' Sober," and "Love Sosa," which reached number 29 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the Billboard Rap chart. The album included collaborations with 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa, and Rick Ross, and Cozart appeared on Kanye West's album "Yeezus" on the song "Hold My Liquor."

The New York Times has described Cozart as a symbol of Chicago's drill music scene and the best known among the younger generation of Chicago rappers. His melodic, slurred vocal style has influenced artists including 21 Savage, Lil Uzi Vert, and Juice WRLD. Cozart is the CEO of his label imprint Glory Boyz Entertainment, later renamed Glo Gang. After parting ways with Interscope, he continued to release music independently, issuing multiple mixtapes such as "Two Zero One Seven," "Thot Breaker," and "Mansion Musick," as well as the recurring series "The GloFiles." He later released albums including "4NEM" and "Almighty So 2."

Cozart achieved notable commercial success with "Almighty So 2," which reached number 30 in the United States. Throughout his career, he has faced legal and political challenges that limited his ability to perform locally, with a significant return to the Chicago area marked by a performance at Lyrical Lemonade's Summer Smash Festival. A documentary about his return is in development, involving Lyrical Lemonade and "Blackish" creator Kenya Barris. Cozart's career is defined by his commitment to authenticity and innovation in hip-hop, establishing him as a lasting and influential figure in the genre.