It’s always unfortunate to hear news about a young person losing their life — but when it comes to rappers, specifically Chicago rappers, are these slayings life imitating art or art imitating life? The violent lyrical content all too often becomes actual unfortunate life events.
Chicago hip-hop is currently on a national stage — due in large part to the nearly instant interest in the “drill” music genre. Drill is a double-edged sword. It glorifies violence and covers some questionable, often deathly topics, but it seems to have made at least two rappers from Chicago, Chief Keef and Lil’ Reese, national names. Drill seems to have peaked during the summer of 2012, when Keef played the Lollapalooza and Pitchfork music festivals and signed to Interscope Records, a deal reportedly worth millions. Rappers Lil’ Durk and Lil’ Reese also signed deals.
Sadly, these rappers didn’t get a chance to experience the perks of being signed to a major record label. Here are 12 Chicago rappers slain within the last few years:
Keno Glass
Johnny Boy Da Prince
Big Glo
L’A Capone
Lil’ Marc
Lil’ Jeff
Don Darius
Trife
J Money
Jay Loud
