Chief Keef is a name synonymous with controversy and hard-hitting music in the rap world. While he’s left his Chicago roots behind, the rapper has been embroiled in numerous disputes throughout his career, some of which nearly turned deadly.
Back in 2016, Chief Keef took aim at the new wave of rappers that were emerging during the SoundCloud era. He went on stage and aired his grievances about artists with colorful hair, though he never mentioned anyone by name. Many speculated he was referring to Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty due to their distinctive styles. However, both artists had shown admiration for Keef, which seemed to put those rumors to rest.
In 2018, a much more intense feud erupted between Chief Keef and Tekashi 6ix9ine. It began when 6ix9ine’s friend Cuban Doll was beaten by Keef’s cousin Tadoe for FaceTiming 6ix9ine. A series of escalating threats and diss tracks followed, culminating in a near-fatal shooting aimed at Keef outside a New York hotel. 6ix9ine later admitted in court that he had paid someone to take Keef out.
Another notable beef involved Chief Keef and Lil Wayne’s YMCMB crew. At a club in Miami, Keef’s entourage allegedly sparked a fight with Wayne’s team. This was followed by a series of social media jabs before Keef expressed his lifelong admiration for Wayne, indicating a desire to smooth things over.
Chief Keef also had a brief altercation with Bobby Shmurda and his GS9 crew. After Keef dropped a track allegedly dissing Shmurda, fans feared the situation would escalate into violence. However, it turned out that much of the online hostility stemmed from fake accounts impersonating Shmurda.
In another dramatic episode, Chief Keef found himself unwelcome in New Jersey after dissing the state and its residents in his music. Local rappers and gangs issued warnings and threats, but Keef never faced any direct consequences.
NBA YoungBoy’s admiration for Chief Keef added another layer of complexity. Despite YoungBoy’s ongoing feud with King Von and Lil Durk, both of whom are Chicago representatives like Keef, YoungBoy has always expressed respect for him.
Even international pop stars weren’t safe from Keef’s wrath. When Katy Perry criticized his music on Twitter, Keef fired back with explicit threats. Perry quickly apologized, diffusing the situation.
Chief Keef’s beef with fellow Chicago rapper Lil Durk was one of the most intense. It started when Durk was in jail and Keef, despite having the means, did not bail him out. This spiraled into a home invasion where Durk’s crew allegedly shot one of Keef’s associates. Eventually, the two reconciled and even collaborated on music, putting their differences behind them.
Chief Keef has navigated through a minefield of beefs and confrontations throughout his career, often coming out unscathed. While some disputes have ended peacefully, others have taken darker turns. Despite all the drama, Keef remains a significant figure in the rap industry.
