Before the world knew Chief Keef as a drill music icon, he was embroiled in a deadly feud on the streets of Chicago. This tale of rivalry, chaos, and tragedy centers around a conflict with another local rapper, Lil JoJo, which escalated into one of rap’s most violent wars.
Lil JoJo, a product of Chicago’s South Side, was born into a world dominated by gangs. His family, deeply entrenched in gang life, set the stage for his own path. Despite witnessing the devastating effects of crime on his father, JoJo and his half-brother Swagg left their mark on the streets.
A complex matrix of alliances and enmities defined JoJo’s world. While most of his family were GDs, JoJo’s path led him to Brick Squad, a faction not always aligned with other GD sets. This intricate web of associations set the stage for conflict with BD sets in Chicago.
The conflict intensified after a series of tragic events, including the killing of Lil Durk’s friend, Lil Mo, and retaliatory attacks involving Brick Squad. One particular incident even drove a blood relative of a Lamron affiliate to switch sides, further complicating existing tensions.
Lil Durk and Chief Keef, prominent figures in the BD faction, stoked the flames with their music. Durk’s song “L’s Anthem” dissed JoJo and his crew, driving JoJo to respond with explosive tracks of his own. He took aim not only at Durk but at all BDs in Chicago.
JoJo’s fiery responses, such as “BDK,” called out Chief Keef and earned him both fame and infamy. He wasn’t just making music; he was throwing down a gauntlet, challenging the BDs’ dominance in the drill scene. This challenge came with a heavy price.
In the midst of this musical warfare, face-to-face confrontations erupted. JoJo encountered Lil Reese, a BD affiliate, and pursued him, escalating the feud beyond the studio. Nevertheless, JoJo remained undeterred, using social media to taunt his rivals.
Tragically, JoJo’s bravado proved fatal. After publicly broadcasting his location, he was shot and killed in September 2012. His death not only marked a horrific end for a promising talent but also intensified the ongoing war between Chicago’s gangs.
In the aftermath, speculation swirled about who orchestrated the hit. While suspicions fell on individuals linked to Chief Keef and Lil Durk, no definitive answers have emerged. JoJo’s murder became yet another heartbreaking chapter in Chicago’s bloody gang saga.
The ripple effects of JoJo’s death were immediate. Retaliatory killings and diss tracks continued, with JoJo becoming one of the most dissed artists in Chicago’s drill history. This cycle of violence underscored the relentless and destructive nature of the scene.
Lil JoJo’s story is a stark reminder of the perilous intersection between music, fame, and street life. While his music burned brightly, it also fueled a deadly fire that continues to blaze in Chicago. His legacy is both his talent and the tragic consequences of his rivalry with the BDs.
