Keith Farrelle Cozart, better known as “Chief Keef” is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois at an early age he was introduced to rapping by using his mother’s karaoke machine and tapes to record his music. He rose to fame in the early 2010s thanks to his unique style called “drill” which originated in the southside of Chicago. The style is characterized by its raw lyricism and gritty beats. He began uploading music on YouTube in which he uploaded his early tracks. His breakout hits “I Don’t Like” gained viral popularity on Youtube before being officially released, and “Love Sosa” released part of Keef’s debut album “Finally Rich”. It gained significant popularity upon its release, receiving widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. Chief pioneered the drill music subgenre, which became highly influential not only in Chicago but also in Hip hop scenes World wide.

Jordan Terrell Carter, better known as “playboi carti” began his journey in the world of rap through his interest in music at an early age. Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, he was inspired by the city’s sprightly hip hop scene. When Carti began making music in high school, his Soundcloud uploads helped him become well-known by showcasing his distinct energy and flair. His breakthrough hits such as “Broke Boi” and “Fetti” shot him to fame with his unique sound, which was made up of appealing tunes, experimental production, and ad libs. Carti’s rise to fame not only solidified his position in the rap industry but also paved the way for new wave artists blending into trap, punk, and other elements into their music leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

I interviewed 3 Annandale students, 2 juniors and 1 senior. I asked them to rank these 5 rappers for their music. Destroy Lonely, Ken Cerson, Chief Keef, Playboi Carti, and Lucki. 2 students chose Chief Keef as first, 1 chose Playboi Carti. All 3 students ranked Chief Keef and Playboi Carti as first or second.

Destiny Nwokeforo, 11th grade- “Chief Keef, Playboi Carti, Lucki, Ken Cerson.”Why first?”. “Chief Keef first because he has more of an impact and he’s been here longer than the rest and he had a feature with Carti as well. I thought he was 40 but he’s 30 something.”

Vincent Belteton, 11th grade- “Chief Keef is not underground, first Playboi Carti, Chief Keef, Ken Cerson, Lucki, Destroy Lonely.”Why first?” Playboi Carti is the goat, he’s just swag, he got the aura, he’s aura maxed. So when I was sad, I would listen to him. My favorite song from him is “Stop breathing” it’s kind of a new gene but don’t get me wrong like, “Location” (song) and other “Cash Carti’ (a nickname of Carti little era) songs like his soundcloud.
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Nour Yassin, 12th grade- ‘Chief Keef always on top number 1, Playboi Carti, Lucki, Ken Cerson, Destroy Lonely. (Why first) Chief Keef has helped me through everything, like he’s a superhero. So when I listen to him, he just gives me a different type of energy.”