The music industry is reeling from the loss of rapper Chris King, who was shot and killed in a Nashville alleyway last week at the age of 32. The artist, born Christopher Cheeks, was remembered by a slew of celebrities and close friends, including Justin Bieber, Trippie Redd, Machine Gun Kelly, and Keke Palmer.
King and a 29-year-old friend were victims of an armed robbery turned violent early Saturday morning, according to Billboard. The incident occurred between Hayes and Church Streets in downtown Nashville, where the suspects initially seemed to be friendly with King's group before opening fire. Following the altercation, King was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The Nashville Police Department has announced they are pursuing "strong, active leads," trying to make sense of the tragic event that unfolded in the early morning darkness, as reported by The New York Post. Details of the ongoing investigation suggest the act was a sudden escalation of an attempted robbery.
Amidst the outpouring of grief, Justin Bieber, who had shared living quarters with the "Peaches" hitmaker nearly a decade ago, shared his sorrow online. "Love you bro. This one hurts. Please keep his family in your prayers. See you in paradise brother," Bieber wrote in an Instagram Story, as captured early Saturday morning. King had previously mentioned their shared past in December, calling Bieber "forever extended family," according to The New York Post.
Trippie Redd expressed his anguish over the loss of his best friend and collaborator, writing on Instagram, "Original 1400 I love you until we meet again twin! I would not be where I am today without @whoischrisking." Redd credited King with pivotal introductions in his career. Machine Gun Kelly, commenting on the sentiment, lamented, "chris was rare," acknowledging a profound loss for the music community, Billboard reported.
Actress Keke Palmer also shared her memories of King, reflecting on their early days and his impactful presence. "I wish I had more photos but it's actually perfect because this is exactly how it began," Palmer said in a tribute posted on Instagram, recalling their time as young artists, shared by NBC New York.
Chris King, who was the founder of Snotty Nose Records, had made his mark in the music industry, collaborating with names like Trippie Redd. The impact of his death on the artistic community continues to be felt as fans and friends alike mourn a life taken too soon.
