Chief Keef’s early career was fraught with danger and drama, according to a bombshell revelation by Larry Jackson, a former Interscope Records executive. In a recent interview with The New York Times’ Popcast, Jackson shared that the teenage rap phenom was not only on an FBI watchlist but also had a $50,000 bounty placed on his head.
Jackson, who now heads the music and media company gamma., recalled being warned about the precarious situation shortly after signing Chief Keef to Interscope in 2012.
“This is the first time I’ve ever told this story,” Jackson began. “I got a call from a friend who was in contact with the FBI. He told me, ‘This kid is on a watchlist, and there’s a $50,000 hit out on him. You might want to act fast to protect him.’”
Far from the typical duties of an A&R executive, Jackson took a personal approach to shield Keef from harm. “He had gotten into some trouble, and I personally wrote a letter to the judge,” Jackson revealed. “That letter was both effective and persuasive… it kept him out of jail.”
Jackson’s commitment went deeper than just helping Keef stay out of legal trouble. He embraced a mentor-like role in the rapper’s life. “I stepped up as a sort of ‘father figure.’ This wasn’t just about signing him because he was the hottest artist with labels bidding for him. It was about his life and future. That’s why we remain close to this day.”
Chief Keef, who became a pioneer of the Chicago drill movement, made waves in the rap industry with hits like “I Don’t Like” and “Love Sosa.” Despite the risks that came with his rise to fame, he’s continued to influence the music world and remains a pivotal figure in hip-hop.
