Former Interscope executive Larry Jackson revealed that Chief Keef was placed on an FBI watchlist with a $50,000 bounty on his head during his teenage years, around the time Interscope signed him in 2012.

Jackson, now CEO of gamma., disclosed this information during an interview with The New York Times' Popcast. He received intelligence from an FBI-connected source about the threat to Keef's life, prompting Jackson to take on a protective role beyond typical A&R duties.

To help the young artist avoid jail time, Jackson personally wrote to a judge. This intervention proved successful, leading to a deeper mentorship relationship that continues today. The $6 million Interscope deal followed Chief Keef's breakthrough hit "I Don't Like" in 2012.

Prior to this, Keef (born Keith Farrelle Cozart) faced serious legal challenges. In 2011, he was arrested for heroin manufacture and distribution. At age 16, he was involved in a shootout with police, leading to multiple charges including aggravated assault with a firearm on police officers. This resulted in a four-week detention center stay.

While Interscope dropped Keef in 2014 due to legal issues, the now 29-year-old Chicago native has largely avoided legal trouble since his last arrest in 2017 for cannabis possession in South Dakota.

Related Articles

Previous Articles