A 32-year-old rapper and close friend of Justin Bieber, Christopher Cheeks, popularly known as Chris King, was shot and killed in Nashville on April 20 in a shooting that left others injured.
Chris, who was accompanied by two friends was shot in an armed robbery by three suspects between Hayes and Church Streets in Nashville, according to a press release from the police.
Another unnamed 29-year-old who was injured in the shooting told authorities three suspects were “hanging out cordially” with their group before things took a violent turn.
The rapper, the founder of the music label Snotty Nose Records, earned a name for himself through collaborations with several rappers, including fellow artist Trippie Redd, who also memorialized him online.
Following the news of Chris’ death, Justin shared a heartfelt tribute to his friend and former housemate on social media.
He wrote on his Instagram story, “Love you bro, This one hurts. Please keep his family in your prayers. See you in paradise, brother.”
Trippie wrote in an April 21 Instagram post, “Original 1400 I love you until we meet again twin, Would not be where I am today without @whoischrisking he introduced me to @elliotgrainge & @milothelight, and he had the best energy always. He had so many friends, and it shows I love you guys for supporting one of my best friends ever, my brother.”
Machine Gun Kelly also paid tribute to the late musician in the comments, writing, “Chris was rare.”
Meanwhile, Keke Palmer also paid homage by recalling how she and Chris came up together in the entertainment industry.
“I wish I had more photos, but it’s actually perfect because this is exactly how it began,” the Nope star wrote. “I can’t believe I’m saying rest in peace. This is terrible. I really don’t know what to say. I just want to share that I loved you, and I remember all the city walk grove moments.”
