Discover Why Chief Keef Got Banned From BET Awards!
William Rodriguez
Published May 12, 2026
Learn About Chief Keef
Chief Keef, born Keith Farrelle Cozart, is a multifaceted American artist known for his work as a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He rose to fame in the early 2010s, primarily captivating high school students from Chicago’s South Side with his music, becoming a notable figure in the local rap scene.
His breakthrough came in 2012 with the local hit “I Don’t Like,” gaining Kanye West’s attention for a remix that soared to the Billboard Rap Top 20. This opened doors to a wider audience and a record deal with Interscope Records, leading to the release of his debut album “Finally Rich” in December 2012. The album featured hits like “I Don’t Like” and “Love Sosa,” contributing significantly to popularizing the drill subgenre of Chicago rap.
Despite legal encounters, including issues with weapon possession and limitations on live performances in Chicago, Chief Keef persevered. He parted ways with Interscope in 2014, signing with 1017 Records to release music independently under his label, Glo Gang. His impact on the music industry is undeniable, credited as a pioneer of the drill subgenre with lasting influence on fellow artists.
Reason behind Chief Keef’s BET Awards Ban
Chief Keef faced a ban from the BET Awards due to his absence as a guest on the 106 & Park show, aired on the BET network, back in 2013. The circumstances surrounding his ban remained somewhat mysterious, but Chief Keef attributed it to his decision not to attend the show in a tweet response to a fan in 2014.
He explained that BET blacklisted him for skipping the 106 & Park show stating, “BET banned me a long time ago because I didn’t attend 106 because I didn’t feel like it! I was getting high.” His disinterest in participating led to the ban, preventing him from being invited to perform at the 2013 BET Awards.
His exclusion from the event disappointed Chief Keef, considering the lineup of artists like Chris Brown, Robin Thicke, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and R Kelly who performed. Details on any further interactions or attempts to reconcile with BET following the ban are not publicly known.
Chief Keef’s Performance and Influence
Renowned as Keith Cozart in the music scene, Chief Keef is recognized for hits like “I Don’t Like” and “Love Sosa” that propelled the drill subgenre’s popularity. After a decade-long ban, he is set to make his return to the BET Awards stage in 2023.
Following his ban in 2013, Chief Keef expressed his grievances against BET, resulting in his exclusion from mainstream platforms and the awards show for years. However, his impact on drill rap led to his reinstatement at the BET Awards. Hailing from Chicago, Chief Keef has left a lasting mark on the industry, influencing a new wave of artists with his unique style and lyrical content.
Aside from his musical endeavors, Chief Keef has faced legal challenges, including charges related to drug possession, aggravated assault, and probation violations. His collaboration with Kanye West on “I Don’t Like” marked a turning point in his career, leading to a record deal and the release of his debut album with notable features across the hip-hop landscape.
Chief Keef’s upcoming performance at the 2023 BET Awards symbolizes a significant moment, showcasing his resilience and enduring impact on the music scene despite past controversies and legal battles. His artistic achievements and contributions to hip-hop, particularly the drill subgenre, reinforce his status as a prominent figure in the industry and his relevance in today’s music landscape.
Anticipating Chief Keef’s Return to BET Awards in 2023
Chief Keef, a pivotal figure in the drill subgenre, is set to grace the stage at the 2023 BET Awards, marking a significant comeback after nearly a decade of being absent from the event.
The origins of his ban in 2013 stem from a video where Chief Keef critiqued BET, making controversial remarks that stirred the industry. Despite this setback, his comeback signifies the industry’s recognition of his influence and contributions to hip-hop. His journey from local acclaim to international success reflects his unwavering impact and relevance in today’s music landscape.
Chief Keef faced a ban which prevented his participation in the BET Awards due to advocacy from a lower-ranking individual within the organization. Despite this setback, Chief Keef, known as Keith Cozart, continued to make a significant impact on the music industry, especially in the drill rap genre. Hailing from Chicago, Chief Keef kickstarted his rap career using his grandmother’s karaoke machine to record his early tracks. His unconventional style blending trap music elements with raw gangsta rap lyrics quickly earned him a loyal fan base and solidified his position as a maverick in the drill subgenre.
Chief Keef’s breakthrough moment came with the support of Kanye West, who collaborated with other notable artists to remix Chief Keef’s hit track “I Don’t Like.” This remix catapulted Chief Keef into the limelight, leading to a record deal with Interscope Records and the release of his debut album, “Finally Rich,” in December 2012. The album featured collaborations with established names like 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa, Young Jeezy, and Rick Ross.
Chief Keef’s rise as a pioneer in the drill subgenre marked a significant shift in the landscape of hip-hop music. His distinct sound characterized by high-energy beats and authentic street narratives left an enduring mark in the industry. Despite facing limited recognition in mainstream circles, Chief Keef’s artistic contributions and influence are widely acclaimed, solidifying his status as one of the most influential hip-hop artists of his generation.
The BET Awards, established by the Black Entertainment Television network in 2001 and now owned by Tyler Perry, is a prestigious American award show honoring the achievements of black entertainers and individuals from various fields like music, film, sports, and philanthropy. The annual event, broadcast live on BET, features performances by renowned artists and highlights awards of public interest.
The trophy presented at the BET Awards holds significant symbolic value, designed by artist Carlos “Mare139” Rodriguez with inspiration from the keywords aspire, ascend, and achieve. Notably, the first recipients of this distinctive trophy were the iconic group Outkast at the inaugural ceremony in 2001. Over the years, the trophy design underwent enhancements by Society Awards, a New York-based firm specializing in creating awards, resulting in an improved quality and visual appeal through the use of plated steel and black crystal.
The BET Awards serves as a platform to not only recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of black artists and individuals but also acknowledge their cultural impact and influence on society. Through its ceremonies and broadcasts, the BET Awards plays a pivotal role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
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