Is Chief Keef *Actually* Banned From Chicago? Dissecting the Rumors and Uncovering the Truth
Chief Keef's time in Chicago was filled with success and drama. Rumors suggest he was formally banned from entering the city. What's the truth?
By D.M.May 3 2024, Published 4:59 p.m. ET
Rapper Chief Keef’s career has been riddled with trouble. In addition to his legal woes, the “Say Ya Grace” MC has found himself at the center of controversy amid rumors of a ban from his hometown.
Keef rose to fame as one of the leaders in the Chicago drill rap scene following the release of his hit song “I Don’t Like.”
In 2012, the rapper released his debut studio album, Finally Rich, under Interscope Records. The album debuted at No. 29 on the Billboard 200 chart, while its lead single, "Love Sosa," peaked at No. 56. However, his life outside of music has been filled with drama.
He was previously arrested for unlawful use of a weapon and served time in juvenile detention, per Time Out. Subsequent arrests followed, including charges related to drug possession, reckless driving, and assault.
Reports circulating on social media have sparked speculation about Sosa’s alleged exclusion from the city where he rose to fame. Let's delve into the details surrounding these claims and their implications for Keef and the Chicago music community.
Rapper Chief Keef performs onstage at The Novo.
Chief Keef’s trouble with the law in Chicago led to the unimaginable.
Chief Keef has a long rap sheet, which prompted the former mayor of Chicago to take action against the entertainer. In 2015, Keef attempted to organize a live hologram show in Chicago with the intention of raising funds for the family of a child who tragically lost their life in a hit-and-run incident. However, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel intervened, preventing the show from taking place in the city, according to The Chicago Tribune.
“The mayor’s administration called Redmoon and informed them that the show by Mr. Cozart, whose music promotes violence, posed a significant public safety risk,” the mayor’s office said in a statement. Despite efforts to relocate the performance to Indiana, law enforcement authorities there also shut down the event.
Was Chief Keef banned from Chicago? Not exactly.
Chief Keef’s career has been marred by legal issues, including arrests and probation violations. Additionally, his public persona, characterized by his affiliation with street gangs and controversial behavior, has drawn criticism from observers.
The rapper has open warrants for his arrest in Chicago and other cities, which may have prompted his exit from the windy city.
According to TMZ, an arrest warrant was issued for Keef in Miami after he failed to attend his arraignment for DUI and drug possession charges. Officers said that the rapper appeared visibly impaired during the stop, which resulted in the discovery of drugs. Days later, the rapper was spotted out in Los Angeles, appearing unphased by the mounting legal trouble.
“Tell ‘em come get me,” he told a photographer.
Chief Keef performs during the 2022 Roots Picnic.
Keefs’ troubles have since followed him to California. In November 2022, a judge issued a $10,000 bench warrant for the rapper’s arrest after he failed to appear in court, TMZ reported. Keef was set to appear in court after a traffic stop, where cops discovered a previous warrant for a DUI case.
