Chris King, a rising rapper and friend to stars like Justin Bieber and Trippie Redd, was fatally shot early Saturday morning in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 32 years old.
According to reports, King (real name Christopher Cheeks) was with friends at 2:30 am when a robbery attempt turned violent. Both King and another victim were shot. The surviving victim, 29, received treatment, while King was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
News of King’s death sent shockwaves through the music industry. Celebrities took to social media to express their grief and share memories. Justin Bieber, who once lived with King, posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram story: “Love you bro. This one hurts. Please keep his family in your prayers. See you in paradise, brother.”
Trippie Redd, another close friend of the rapper, shared a series of photos and penned a lengthy tribute. He credited King with introducing him to music industry figures and praised his positive energy.
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Machine Gun Kelly echoed these sentiments, commenting “Chris was rare” on Redd’s post.
Keke Palmer, who knew King from their early music days, also shared a heartfelt message. “[…] We will miss you until we meet again, rest heavenly brother,” she wrote.
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King, a California native, was known for his collaborations with Trippie Redd and his affiliation with labels like Snotty Nose Records. His final song, “Seeing Double Seeing Double,” was released on April 8th. He was reportedly in Tennessee for a performance at the Nashville Cannafest.
The investigation into King’s death is ongoing. Police are searching for the suspects involved in the robbery and shooting.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the gun violence plaguing communities across the US. Chris King’s talent and positive spirit will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and fans.
