South Side Story: A Chief Keef Timeline

What an interesting journey it's been so far.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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What an interesting journey it's been so far.

This feature is a part of Complex's "Finally Rich" Week.

It's hard to believe how far Chief Keef has come in such a short time. The 17-year-old Chicago rapper has progressed from local hero to mainstream success in less than a year. A viral video here, a run-in with police there, and before you knew it a star was born. And once his fame spread beyond Chicago's rap underground, it was only a matter of time before the rest of the world caught on.

"I Don't Like," Keef's single with Lil Reese, was the breakthrough track that caught the attention of music fans and fellow rappers alike. Artists felt compelled to spit over the monstrous Young Chop production, and a G.O.O.D. Music remix of the song was included on the album Cruel Summer. It wasn't long before Keef had his own label deal with Interscope Records.

But as anyone who's followed the young Chicagoan knows, the past year hasn't been all about high-profile collaborations and major-label offers. Early in 2012 Keef was sentenced to house arrest for a weapons charge. Then last September, he and his cohorts were allegedly tied to the murder of rival Windy City rapper JoJo. He was also banned from Instagram after posting some rather questionable images.

While Sosa has only been active for a short time, there's never a dull moment with this dude. So as Keef celebrates the release of his debut album Finally Rich, we put together this timeline of his career highlights (and lowlights) thus far. Click below to begin reading. 

Written by Eric Diep (@E_Diep)

This feature is a part of Complex's "Finally Rich" Week.

Related: HAIL to the Chief (2012 Online Cover Story) 

Related: Where Did Chief Keef Come From? 

Chief Keef's "Bang" Video Appears Online

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Chief Keef Drops the Bang Mixtape

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Chief Keef Performs at Adrianna's

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Police Shut Down Chief Keef Concert

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Chief Keef Is Arrested by Chicago Police

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Young Boy Loses it When He Learns Chief Keef Is Free

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Lil B and Soulja Boy Remix Chief Keef

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Chief Keef Features King L on "Winning"

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Chief Keef's "I Don't Like" Video is Released

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Chief Keef Releases Back From the Dead Mixtape

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Police Lock Down Chief Keef and Meek Mill Concert

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“I Don’t Like (Remix)” to Feature Kanye West, Pusha T, Big Sean, and Jadakiss

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Birdman Wants to Sign Chief Keef to YMCMB

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Chief Keef Is Working With Young Jeezy, Possibly Signs With CTE

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Chief Keef Collaborates with Waka Flocka and Bo Deal on "Murda"

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Drake and Waka Flocka Flame Bring Chief Keef Out During Their Club Paradise Tour

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Chief Keef Signs to Interscope

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Chief Keef Makes His New York Debut at SOB's

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Chief Keef Visits Gun Range, Faces Return to Jail Over Pitchfork Video

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Chief Keef Performs at Lollapalooza

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Chief Keef Claims Kanye West Didn’t Do Anything for His Career

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Lupe Fiasco and Chief Keef Briefly Feud on Twitter

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Chief Keef Receives Backlash for Tweeting About JoJo's Death

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Chief Keef Posts Sex Act on Instagram

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Chief Keef Releases "Love Sosa"

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Finally Rich Will Be Released As Chief Keef's Interscope Debut

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Chief Keef Is Mentioned on ABC's Nightline

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Chief Keef Endorses President Barack Obama

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Chief Keef Releases "Kobe"

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50 Cent Rants About Chief Keef Not Showing Up to "Hate Bein' Sober" Video Shoot

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Chief Keef Works With Future on "Dead Broke"

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Chief Keef Releases Debut Album "Finally Rich"

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