BREAKING: Chief Keef’s Cousin Shot 10 Times, Killed In Chicago

Chicago rapper Chief Keef's cousin, Blood Money, has reportedly been fatally shot in their hometown, just weeks after signing a deal with Interscope Records.

According to reports, the fatal shooting took place Wednesday (April 9) night.

A shooting on Chicago’s south side Wednesday night claimed the life of rapper who’d recently been signed to a record deal. Mario Hess — also known as Blood Money — was signed by Interscope Records about two weeks ago, according to his manager and cousin, Renaldo Reuben Hess. “This was his dream and he finally got his foot in the door,” said Hess. “But that’s how it goes in Chicago. He really wanted to get off the streets.” (NBC Chicago)

Reports claim Blood Money suffered multiple gun shot wounds.

Police said Mario Hess, 33, was shot and killed about 9:30 p.m. in the 5600 block of South Elizabeth Street. He was found lying on a sidewalk with a gunshot wound to the chest. Hess’ publicist, Victor Foh, told NBC Chicago the rapper was shot 10 times while on his way to a record studio. Another man who family members said was a relative was wounded in the same shooting and was taken to John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County in serious condition, police said. (NBC Chicago)

The rapper had worked closely alongside Chief Keef on recently released music.

Mario Hess collaborated as Blood Money with Chief Keef on a number of tracks, including “F-k Rehab,” a Chief Keef single released in March that has netted more than 13 million views on worldstarhiphop.com in less than a month. “Thought He Was,” a Blood Money track featuring Chief Keef, has nearly 2 million views on YouTube. (CBS Local)

He had also signed on the dotted line to join Interscope Records.

Mario Hess was in Los Angeles about two weeks ago and was given recording time with Interscope Records, his manager said. After recording 27 songs, Interscope decided to sign him to a record deal, he said. Renaldo Hess, who also manages Chief Keef, said his cousin spent a portion of his $50,000 signing bonus on his family, bills and a car. (CBS Local)