O-Block’s Finest: These Up-and-Coming Chicago Rappers Took the Music Industry by Storm

O-Block, officially named Parkway Gardens, gained notoriety for its association with Chief Keef and the emergence of drill music. The neighborhood has seen its share of challenges, but it has also served as a backdrop for the creative expression of local artists.

Several notable public figures are from O-Block. Grammy-nominated lyricist, Lil Durk, was raised in the Chicago neighborhood – which is also home to King Von. The rapper – who gained notoriety following the release of his hit song “Took Her to the O” – was killed in an Atlanta-area shooting in 2020.

Later that year, rapper FBG Duck was killed in a shooting that took place outside a Dolce & Gabbana in Chicago. According to Fox 32 News, Duck was shot 16 times and his girlfriend was also injured during the altercation.

Despite its gritty reputation O-Block has birthed a slate of talented MCs. Rappers from O-Block have made an indelible mark on the hip-hop industry and their influence continues to grow. Here are five rappers from the area.

Fredo Santana had a triumphant rise to fame that was cut short.

The rapper gained notoriety following the release of his debut studio album, Trappin Ain’t Dead, in 2013. Unfortunately, Fredo passed away in 2018 after suffering a severe seizure at his home in Los Angeles. Chief Keef – Fredo’s younger cousin – took to Instagram after the rapper’s death and shared a touching tribute to the late star.

"Love you dude forever," Keef wrote (via Complex). "It was good to be able to hug you."

Prince Dre stands out as a young rap prodigy whose raw talent has garnered attention from O-Block and beyond. Dre's breakout moment came with the release of his mixtapes, with tracks like "Brothers" and "Snitch K,” sparking buzz in the Chicago music scene.

Dre also had a close relationship with King Von and was reportedly on the scene when the “Took Her To The O” lyricist was killed in 2020.

"I was around but I wasn't right there though," Dre said during an appearance on the No Jumper podcast. "I ain't gon lie, I ain't know folks got shot until all that sh*t was over with.”

Boss Top has emerged as a key player in the Chicago hip-hop scene. He blends raw talent with a distinctive style that captures the essence of the city's drill music scene.

The O-Block rapper has become known for hits like “Get Back” and “Shameless,” however, his legal issues have taken center stage as of late. In June 2023, he was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of possession and use of a firearm as a convicted felon, according to Hip Hop DX.

Muwop is a popular Chicago MC and one of the men who was convicted of killing FBG Duck.

He was close friends with King Von, as the two were often spotted out together at events. Von even joined Muwop for a 2021 song called “Nobody Move,” which has more than six million views on YouTube.