Former Interscope executive Larry Jackson revealed that Chief Keef was placed on an FBI watchlist with a $50,000 bounty on his head during his teenage years. This revelation came during Jackson's interview with The New York Times' Popcast.

Jackson, now CEO of gamma., received intelligence about the threat through FBI connections while signing Keef to Interscope in 2012. "He told me that this kid was on a watchlist. He told me that there is a $50,000 hit out on this kid and you may want to do something about it," Jackson recalled.

Taking on a paternal role, Jackson helped Keef navigate legal challenges, including writing a letter to a judge that helped the rapper avoid jail time. Interscope signed Chief Keef for $6 million following his hit "I Don't Like," though the relationship ended two years later due to legal issues.

The Chicago native, born Keith Farrelle Cozart, faced significant legal troubles in his youth. In 2011, he was arrested for heroin manufacture and distribution. At 16, he was involved in a shootout with police, leading to charges of aggravated assault with a firearm on police officers and unlawful weapon use, resulting in four weeks of detention.

Now 29, Chief Keef's last arrest was in 2017 for cannabis possession in South Dakota. He has maintained a clean legal record since then.

The revelation provides insight into the dangerous circumstances surrounding Chief Keef's early career and the music industry's role in protecting young artists facing serious threats.

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