Chris King, a rapper known for his friendships with artists like Justin Bieber, Keke Palmer, Machine Gun Kelly, and Trippie Redd, was shot and killed in Nashville on April 20. According to the New York Post, the 32-year-old rapper, whose real name was Christopher Cheeks, had traveled to the city to perform at the Nashville Cannafest.
In a statement, the Nashville Police Department noted that the shooting took place at about 2:30 am in an alleyway between Hayes and Church Streets. They also mentioned that a 29-year-old person was injured during the same incident.
Authorities reported that Chris King and his friends were in an alleyway when they were approached by three men. According to a statement from the Nashville Police Department, “The 29-year-old victim mentioned that the group had been conversing peacefully with the three suspects for a while before the suspects attempted to rob them. At that point, gunfire erupted, and the victim realized he had been shot.”
In response to the shooting, Chris King, the 29-year-old victim, and their friends fled in various directions, according to authorities. The 29-year-old victim was found on Church Street and taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment.
Chris King was discovered in the parking garage of the Hayes Street Hotel but tragically died from his injuries after being taken to Vanderbilt. The Nashville Police Department’s homicide detectives are investigating the case and said they have “strong, active leads.”
Following the tragic loss, King’s friends, including Justin Bieber, shared their grief and memories of him on social media. Bieber, who was roommates with King over a decade ago, posted about his love and admiration for his late friend.
In response to the shooting, Chris King and the other victims scattered in various directions, according to authorities. The 29-year-old victim was found on Church Street and taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment.
Chris King was found in the Hayes Street Hotel’s parking garage but, tragically, succumbed to his injuries after being transported to Vanderbilt. The homicide unit detectives investigating the case reported they have “strong, active leads.”
Many of King’s friends paid tribute to him on social media after his death. Justin Bieber, who was King’s roommate more than a decade ago, expressed his sorrow, writing, “Love you bro. This one hurts. Please keep his family in your prayers. See you in paradise brother.”
Rapper Trippie Redd also shared his grief on Instagram, saying, “I love you until we meet again twin. I would not be where I am today without @whoischrisking. He introduced me to @elliotgrainge & @milothelight 🙏 and he had the best energy. He had so many friends, and it shows. I love you guys for supporting one of my best friends ever, my brother.”
Machine Gun Kelly commented on the post, saying, “Chris was rare.” Actress Keke Palmer also paid tribute to King, further highlighting the impact he had on those who knew him.
Rapper Chris King, known for his connections to stars like Justin Bieber, Keke Palmer, Machine Gun Kelly, and Trippie Redd, was fatally shot in Nashville on April 20. King, whose real name is Christopher Cheeks, was in the city to perform at the Nashville Cannafest. He was 32 years old.
The Nashville Police Department stated that the shooting occurred around 2:30 am in an alleyway between Hayes and Church Streets. A 29-year-old man was also injured in the incident. According to the police, King and his group were in the alleyway when three men approached them and eventually attempted to rob them. This led to gunfire, injuring King and the 29-year-old victim, who was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment. King, found in the parking garage of the Hayes Street Hotel, succumbed to his injuries at the same hospital.
King’s friends and fellow celebrities expressed their grief and paid tribute to him on social media. Justin Bieber, who was roommates with King over a decade ago, wrote on his Instagram story, “Love you bro. This one hurts. Please keep his family in your prayers. See you in paradise brother.” Rapper Trippie Redd credited King with helping him in his career, while Machine Gun Kelly and Keke Palmer shared their condolences and memories of their friend.
Authorities are investigating the case, with homicide unit detectives following active leads. King was well-known for his mixtapes and LPs, including the “Luck of the Snotty” series. His most recent single, “Seeing Double Seeing Double,” was released on April 8.
