Rapper Chris King, aged 32, has reportedly been shot dead, leading to a flood of tributes from friends and fellow artists, including Justin Bieber and Trippie Redd.

Few details have been provided surrounding King’s death, but speculation suggests it could be related to an alleged shooting in Nashville, Tennessee.

Chris King was born Christopher Stacy Cheeks Jr in Fontana, California in 1991. He started his rap career with his debut album Who Is Chris King on March 11, 2013. He was best known for his later collaborations with his best friend Trippie Redd, like 'Can You Rap Like Me Pt.2', 'U Deserve It', 'Love Scars Pt.2', 'Dangerous' and others. King also collaborated with Ski Mask the Slump God on the 2022 single 'Bullseye!' and Famous Dex on his EP Snotty Nose Dexter.

Justin Bieber, a close friend of King’s, shared a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram story, posting a video of the two hugging. “Love you bro. This one hurts,” Bieber wrote. “Please keep his family in your prayers. See you in paradise brother.”

 

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A post shared by Chris King 👃🏾💦 (@whoischrisking)

In an earlier post from December, King had shared a caption explaining their close bond. “Fun fact: I lived at my brother’s crib for a full year and a half almost 10 years ago,” he wrote. “Glad some people never change no matter what. All love, forever extended family.”

Fellow rapper Trippie Redd confirmed the news of King’s death and shared a series of photos of them. “I am so hurt rn I can’t even think I love you bro come back!!!!! I can’t catch a break,” he wrote.

 

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A post shared by Main Character Syndrome (@trippieredd)

King’s friend Courtland Young, who was tagged in King’s Instagram story from late Friday night, took to Instagram to express his grief. “I can’t answer all of the DMs… I was his artist, friend, and I had his back,” he said. “I can’t speak on this [right now] but I’ve been on the phone with his family and close friend. Please let his family grieve while everything gets figured out.”

The music community continues to mourn the loss of Chris King, with many sharing tributes on social media.