S. Samuel
Popular online music publication Pitchfork has issued an open apology to readers and pulled a controversial video featuring teenager Chief Keef at a gun range.
Editor Mark Richardson issued a statement and explained their decision to remove the clip this week.
“”Selector” is a Pitchfork.tv show in which we interview rappers and watch them freestyle over beats. We often try to conduct these shows in unusual locations, and several months ago we interviewed Chief Keef at a gun range in New York City. This concept was rushed and never should have happened. We’re proud of the “Selector” series as a whole and its production will continue, but this particular episode was insensitive and irresponsible.” (Pitchfork)
Richardson further elaborated on the connection between Pitchfork and Chicago.
“Pitchfork’s roots are in Chicago and many of our employees and several contributors live in the city. The horror of the gun violence that has plagued our hometown is something we all take very seriously. Many people have pointed out that this episode could be seen as trivializing gun violence, and we feel they have a good point. Given recent news regarding the shooting of Chicago rapper Lil Jojo and the investigation of people involved in Chicago’s rap scene, this seems like the right time to express our regrets regarding that episode. We apologize for this mistake and have removed the video from our archives.” (Pitchfork)
As stated by Richardson, Chief Keef’s perceived music rival Lil JoJo lost his life to gun violence earlier this week.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Lil JoJo, 18, whose real name is Joseph Coleman, was gunned down at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday on a street in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. He had been engaged in a running war of words with several rival rappers, among them Chief Keef, who is 17. But Mr. Coleman also had been feuding with a local street gang, the Black Disciples, and the police were investigating whether his death was connected to that dispute, the Sun-Times reported, quoting the police. Hours after the murder, a message appeared on Chief Keef’s Twitter account that appeared to make light of Mr. Coleman’s death. The message drew angry responses from many of Chief Keef’s followers on Twitter. He later sent a message suggesting that his account had been hacked. (New York Times)
Windy City police are reportedly investigating any possible connection between Keef and JoJo’s death.
Chicago police have indicated they are investigating Keef’s tweets after Lil Jojo’s murder for possible connections to the homicide. Earlier this summer, Keef signed a deal with Interscope. (RapFix)
Check out some recent Chief Keef footage below:
