Chris King, a Los Angeles rapper, has died at age 32. WKRN News reported that the rapper was shot and killed in Nashville on Saturday (April 20). King was in the Tennessee city to perform at Cannafestival. The rapper and his friends were in an alleyway when a group of robbers approached them where the group was reportedly instructed to hand over their valuables.

Then, gunfire rang out, ultimately killing Chris King and injuring an unnamed 29-year-old friend. King, né Christopher Cheeks, and his friend began running in separate directions after being shot. Cheeks was found in a parking garage before being transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. There, the musician succumbed to his injuries and died. 

The Tennessean has identified one of the assailants as Adrian Cameron, Jr. The 19-year-old has been free on bond after killing 50-year-old Josh Evans in 2021 during a “failed drug transaction.” Cameron was forced to wear an ankle monitor as a condition of his bond. Nashville authorities report that the ankle monitor’s data tracked him to the scene of the crime before being cut off after the time of the shooting. “The 29-year-old victim reported the group was hanging out cordially for some time before the three suspects attempted to rob his group of friends,” the police statement read. “It was then that he heard gunfire and realized he was struck.”

Friends of the deceased artist flooded social media with love immediately after the news broke. Justin Bieber, who was once King’s roommate, posted, “Love you bro,” to his Instagram Story. MGK and Trippie Redd both shared love for the late artist with passionate posts in his memory. “I am so hurt rn I can’t even think I love you bro come back!!!!! @whoischrisking I can’t catch a break,” Redd typed. “Original 1400 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 always he had so manny friends and it shows I love you guys for supporting one of my best friends ever my brother.” “Lost another real one f**k man…,” MGK posted to X/Twitter. 

Keke Palmer, who also had a deep friendship with Chris King, posted a bit about his start in the group 2Much. “Chris King! I wish I had more photos but it’s actually perfect because this is exactly how it began. iChat sessions with you and Marcel back in the 2Much days. Wow. I can’t believe I’m saying rest in peace. This is terrible,” the acclaimed actress typed. 

“I just want to share that I loved you and I remember all the city walk, grove moments. That was my high school. When we were babies before everyone knew you was a real rockstar. We were kids! And you always knew how to make everyone laugh. Your kindness was present no matter what room you were in, everybody was and wanted to be your friend. We will miss you until we meet again, rest heavenly brother.”

Other artists like Coi Leray, Westside Gunn, Mozzy Cochise, Bas, ORyan and more also offered their love to the late rapper.

VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the Cheeks family and all those affected by this loss.

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