Chicago rapper Chief Keef sentenced to 60 days in juvenile detention

Chicago rapper Chief Keef sentenced to 60 days in juvenile detention
This CD cover image released by Interscope Records shows "Finally Rich," by Chief Keef. AP Photo/Interscope Records
Chicago rapper Chief Keef sentenced to 60 days in juvenile detention
This CD cover image released by Interscope Records shows "Finally Rich," by Chief Keef. AP Photo/Interscope Records

Chicago rapper Chief Keef sentenced to 60 days in juvenile detention

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Chicago rapper Chief Keef will be spending time in juvenile detention because of a probation violation.

On Thursday, Cook County Circuit Judge Carl Anthony Walker sentenced the 17-year-old rapper to 60 days in a juvenile facility. Judge Walker said lesser sanctions would be “inadequate.”

Last summer, Chief Keef, also known as Keith Cozart, was taped holding a rifle at a gun range as part of a promotional video. As a condition of his probation, Keef can’t have any contact with guns.

The rapper, dressed in a sweatsuit and Velcro sneakers, cried as he told the judge he was sorry for what he had done and promised not to violate his probation again. Keef described himself as a “good-hearted person” and asked for a second chance.

Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Jullian Brevard called the violation a mockery of the court.

During the proceedings, Brevard read lyrics from the rapper’s album “Finally Rich,” which he says make multiple references to guns and gangs. The prosecutor said the lyrics show Keef’s failure to take the court’s orders seriously.

Keef’s lawyer, Dennis Berkson, said Judge Walker’s sentence showed compassion.

“I think the judge is well aware of his recording contract, whatever contractual obligations he has, and his opportunity to really make something of himself,” Berkson said.

Berkson called the video evidence against Keef “stupid” and said the artist’s lyrics shouldn’t be taken at face value.

Before being lead away in handcuffs, Keef hugged his mother, grandmother, and other family members who had gathered in the courtroom.

The court will reconvene on March 14th to review reports on the rapper’s progress and to decide whether the case is closed.