Rapper Chris King has died at age 32.
He was reportedly shot and killed early on April 20, with two others injured at the scene. King was a rapper as well as the CEO and founder of Snotty Nose Records. His debut EP, Who is Chris King, was released in 2013. His Instagram bio reads "17 mixtapes, 18 otw."
King, born Christopher Stacy Cheeks Jr., hailed from Fontana, California. Shortly before his death, King attended Nashville's Cannafest.
Following the artist's death, pop star Justin Bieber posted on his Instagram story, reposting a sweet video of him and King hugging. The post, which also features a still shot of the two smiling together, was initially shared on King's Instagram in December 2023 with the caption: "fun fact: i lived at my brother krib for a full year and a half almost 10 years ago. glad some people never change no matter what. all love, forever extended family."
"Love you, bro. This one hurts, please keep his family in your prayers. See you in paradise, brother" wrote Bieber in his story.
Another artist afflicted by King's death is Trippie Redd, who collaborated with the rapper several times on songs like "U Deserve It" and "Can You Rap Like Me, Pt. 2."King also appeared on Trippie's album A Love Letter to You, and its sequel of the same name.
King once said "I ain't never heard nobody screaming like that and melodically sounding like that on tracks," of Trippie.
Trippie shared a slideshow of Instagram photos featuring him and King, captioning the post "I am so hurt rn I can't even think I love you bro come back!!!!! " He attached several crying emojis, followed by "I can't catch a break." He finished off the message with one vomiting emoji and five broken hearts.
In a second post featuring the two rappers, Trippie wrote a longer tribute to his friend.
"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," he wrote.
Trippie continued, "he had the best energy always he had so manny [sic] friends and it shows I love you guys for supporting one of my best friends ever my brother."
The "Demon Time" singer also posted Instagram stories with throwback pictures of King.
Other artists and internet users reacted to King's death with disappointment and surprise.
DJ Sheme posted on X, writing, "Everyone make sure u send ur love to Trippie and everyone at 1400 today please." 1400 is Trippie's label, to which King was signed.
X user @itsavibe, née Victor Baez, shared several photos of King, writing "a close friend to many artists in the industry and always a positive energy."
King released his final work, Seeing Double Seeing Double, on April 8. He was in the midst of working on his eighteenth mixtape.
Representatives for King have not released any official statements or details regarding his death.
