Chief Keef Before He Was Finally Rich

Chief Keef is beyond a doubt one of the most influential rappers of this generation. He nurtured a style that can clearly be heard and seen in hip-hop artists of today. Although the Chicago rapper gained most of his early notoriety from the projects Back From The Dead and Finally Rich, he had older projects which were ultimately overshadowed. 

We will take closer look at Chief Keef's earliest music and progression as an artist with the help of DJ Kenn, a Japanese producer who moved to Chicago at the age of 20. This article from Sabukaru describes the duos relationship well if you're looking for a more in-depth background of the unusual alliance between Sosa and DJ Kenn.

Mulah Express 

Mulah Express is Chief Keef and DJ Kenn's debut mixtape featuring 20 songs, released in July of 2010. The songs on this project laid down a foundation for a lot of the rapper's future sound and style, especially within the realm of Chicago Drill. With a slightly higher-pitched voice, Chief Keef demonstrates incredible energy, unique flows, and catchy hooks throughout the mixtape. The fun he's having creating the project definitely shines through. On top of this, DJ Kenn's production is ahead of its time. The blasting bass and bright synths translate to exciting and feel-good beats that leave you wanting more. Although there are many unfinished ideas on Mulah Express, it is an impressive start to the 14-year-olds' career as a rapper and the mixtape shows early signs of potential in the young artist. 

Favourite tracks: 100 Bail, Getting Gone, My Partna' Dem, Whoa!

The Glory Road

The Glory Road is the duo's second mixtape from July 2011. It includes 19 songs that build upon some of the ideas present in their project from one year earlier. Now aged 15, the rapper is beginning to sound more like Chief Keef we know today. He is again able to find quirky flows that match the complex melodies. The beats contain similar bass, synth, and drum patterns to Mulah Express, but at an even more exaggerated level. DJ Kenn's production is very bubbly and happy, and this contrasts directly with Sosa's lyrics, which revolve around gangs, money, and drugs. Despite the mixtape's great energy, The Glory Road also has its flaws and still does not give a complete picture of what Chief Keef is capable of. This is something that can only be smoothed out as he continues to mature as an artist. 

Favourite tracks: Yo' Squad, Never Coming Back, Do It For My Town

Bang (The Mixtape)

Bang (The Mixtape) is the last full-length project from Chief Keef and DJ Keen released in October 2011. The mixtape reveals Chief Keef in his most authentic form and brings out the true essence of the emerging sound of Drill. This time around, the duo had help on the production from key players in the scene like Lex Luger and Young Chop. With the chaotic beats from DJ Kenn and Chief Keef's aggressive rapping, the overall sound is a major change from the laidback and fun ambiance of Mulah Express and The Glory Road. There are constant producer tags, gun sound effects, and interruptions from DJ Hustlenomics which add to the havoc of the songs. The music is unmixed and still sounds a little rough, but this gives it a more raw feel. All things considered, the mixtape is another great stepping stone in Chief Keef's musical journey. The exploration of this new style of music makes it evident that he was beginning to find his element. 

Favourite tracks: Setz Up, Know About Me, Just In Case

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