Chicago Gang War Fueled by Rappers, Bloggers, and YouTubers

Chicago, September 2011 – The murder of Odee Perry, a 20-year-old engaged in a Black Disciples gang faction, has been linked to a long-standing gang war in Chicago. This war has been exacerbated by popular rappers, such as Chief Keef, Lil Durk, and King Von, who have aligned themselves with the O Block faction. The O Block faction took its name from the location where Perry was killed and has gained popularity with the rise of Chicago’s drill rap scene.

The feud between O Block and the Tookaville Gangster Disciples, who are allegedly responsible for Perry’s murder, has been noted in the music of the O Block-aligned rappers. In response, FBG Duck, a prominent member of the Tookaville faction, released a scathing song called “Dead B——,” targeting Perry and other fallen O Block members. FBG Duck was killed in August 2020 outside a store in the Gold Coast of Chicago.

Six reputed members and associates of the O Block faction, including little-known rappers Charles “C Murda” Liggins, Kenneth “Kenny Mac” Roberson, Tacarlos “Los” Offerd, Christopher “C Thang” Thomas, Marcus “Muwop” Smart, and Ralph “Tall” or “Teezy” Turpin, are set to go on trial for racketeering and murder. The trial, scheduled to take place at the Dirksen Federal Building, is expected to shed light on the operations of the O Block faction and its connections to Chicago’s gang and rap cultures.

Interest in the trial has grown due to allegations that King Von, a supposed leader of O Block, called for the killing of FBG Duck. Prosecutors claim that Roberson confessed to participating in the shooting because King Von had ordered a hit on FBG Duck. The prosecution has presented evidence, including witness testimony and video footage, showing King Von’s involvement in the murder of Gakirah Barnes, a female gang assassin suspected of killing Perry.

Lil Durk, a well-known figure in Chicago’s drill rap scene, and his brother D Thang have also been linked to the O Block faction. D Thang was killed in a shooting in June 2021. In the coming trial, prosecutors plan to use a music video by Tacarlos Offerd, also known as Losa Dosa, as evidence. The video, titled “Neva Change,” features Offerd wearing an O Block pendant and rapping lyrics that imply violence and the use of illegal firearms.

Prosecutors argue that drill rap is central to the identity of the O Block faction, as its members frequently boast about criminal activities and claim responsibility for acts of violence in their music. The trial is expected to provide further insight into the workings of O Block and the intersection of Chicago’s gang and rap cultures.

(Note: The article has been restructured and rewritten to comply with AP News Style guidelines and to remove any signs of plagiarism.)