Justin Bieber is among those leading tributes to rapper Chris King, who was reportedly shot dead aged 32.
News of King’s death was reported over the weekend, and although details remain sparse, speculation from outlets including The Sun and Indy100 suggest it could be related to an alleged shooting in Nashville, Tennessee.
Among those paying tribute to the artist online was Bieber – who was a close friend of King’s and even lived with him for a short period. Taking to his Instagram Stories, the ‘Sorry’ singer shared a video of the two hugging, which was originally posted on King’s account.
“Love you bro. This one hurts,” he wrote. “Please keep his family in your prayers. See you in paradise brother.”
The original post from King was shared at the beginning of December, and saw the rapper share a caption that explained how the two got so close. “Fun fact: i lived at my brother krib for a full year and a half almost 10 years ago,” he wrote. “Glad some people never change no matter what. all love, forever extended family.”
Those paying tribute also included another close friend, fellow rapper Trippie Redd, who confirmed the news of King’s death and shared a carousel of photos of them together. “I am so hurt rn I can’t even think I love you bro come back!!!!! I can’t catch a break,” he wrote.
He also shared two more images of them both on stage together, writing: “Original 1400 I love you until we meet again twin! I would not be where I am today without @whoischrisking […] 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.”
Elsewhere, Courtland Young – a friend who was tagged in King’s Instagram Story from late Friday night (April 19), took to Stories to say (via The Sun): “I can’t answer all of the DMs… I was his artist, friend, and I had his back.”
“I can’t speak on this [right now] but I’ve been on the phone with his family and close friend,” he added. “Please let his family grieve while everything gets figured out.”
Find more tributes to Chris King below.
Damn dawg wtf. RIP Chris King
— SCHEME (@DJSCHEME_) April 20, 2024
Everyone make sure u send ur love to Trippie and everyone at 1400 today please 🤍🕊️
— SCHEME (@DJSCHEME_) April 20, 2024
RIP Chris King 😕 pic.twitter.com/bX8dqXkKE2
— Masters Of The Underground (@MastersOfTheUG) April 20, 2024
Chris King with Juice and X rest in peace to these goats 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/GWPfZ57l4i
— V𝖊𝔫𝖔𝔪 🦅 (@TrolledByVenom) April 20, 2024
Rest in peace Chris King 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/9ZZTtGRFLJ
— V𝖊𝔫𝖔𝔪 🦅 (@TrolledByVenom) April 20, 2024
RIP CHRIS KING, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP @trippieredd pic.twitter.com/52zR5VKBnY
— TREVON 𐕣 A$HTON (@KillTrevon) April 20, 2024
Rest In Peace to Chris King.
A good friend of X and Trippie. pic.twitter.com/9SUajKiuxy— DLI4 (@DemonsStaring) April 20, 2024
Rest in peace Chris King 🙏🏽🕊️
Over the years It was always love and positivity when we crossed paths and rocked shows around the IE.
This was a clip from 2010 in a cypher we shared at Humidor Boutique. Very talented artist.
credit: @BrickToYaFace pic.twitter.com/i0JTlYCT1s
— Curtiss King 🏁🛠 (@CurtissKing) April 20, 2024
Chris King, a close friend of XXXTentacion and Trippie Redd, has passed away.
Rest in peace. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/kRAfOpWh48
— RileyTaugor 🏴 (@RileyTaugor) April 20, 2024
Trippie Redd's team just confirmed to me that rapper Chris King has passed away 🙏🏽
a close friend to many artists in the industry and always a positive energy pic.twitter.com/mOvepmxiHD
— SOUND (@itsavibe) April 20, 2024
More details about his death are expected to be shared at a later date. This is a developing story.