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Lionel Du Fon Pickens (December 4, 1983 – May 17, 2015),[2] professionally known as Chinx (formerly Chinx Drugz), was an American rapper. He was a member of The Rockaway Riot Squad alongside fellow slain rapper Stack Bundles. Chinx later joined French Montana's Coke Boys Records, gaining recognition for his appearances on the Coke Boys mixtapes and the Cocaine Riot mixtape series. He was killed in a drive-by shooting in Jamaica, Queens on May 17, 2015. Two men have since been arrested in the case.

Early life

[edit]

1983–1999: Beginnings

[edit]

Chinx was born and raised in Far Rockaway, Queens on December 4, 1983, living in both Redfern Houses and Edgemere Houses, now known as Ocean Bay Apartments. He spent time in North Amityville in his teenage years where he briefly attended high school.[3] When speaking of how he started rapping, Chinx said, "I started rapping at the table in junior high school for fun with the homies, and then by 9th grade is when I started taking music seriously. At that point is when I started investing my street money into my studio time and trying to find my sound."[3]

He said he chose the name "Chinx Drugz" since he "used to smoke a lot of weed back in the day, and this older chick used to call me chinky and it stuck; the Drugz, well, that's self explanatory — I been slangin' on these corners."[4]

Career

[edit]

2000–2010: Riot Squad and Hurry Up & Die series

[edit]

Chinx first started rapping with his close friend Stack Bundles while he was in high school, whom he would later form the group Riot Squad with, along with local rappers Bynoe and Cau2Gs. The group started to gain a buzz throughout New York but that ended abruptly in early 2005 when Chinx was sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison. He served his time at Arthur Kill Correctional Facility.[5][6] During this time, Bundles formed a friendship with rapper Max B, and together they joined Jim Jones' group Byrd Gang.[6]

While Chinx was incarcerated, on June 11, 2007, fellow rapper and friend Stack Bundles was shot and killed. In late 2008, Chinx was released from prison and through his affiliation with the now deceased Bundles, he met Max B. The following year, Max B introduced Chinx to fellow New York rapper French Montana, who was still relatively unknown at the time. Together, Chinx and Montana formed the hip hop group, Coke Boys.[4] On April 13, 2009, Drugz released his first solo mixtape, Hurry Up & Die Vol. 1: Get Ya Casket On.[7][8]

He followed that with Hurry Up & Die Vol. 2: From The Cage To The Stage on January 7, 2010.[9] Drugz then released the third mixtape in that series, Hurry Up & Die Vol. 3 on April 13, 2010.[8][10]

2011–2012: Coke Boys and Cocaine Riot 1 & 2

[edit]

On March 15, 2011, Drugz released his fourth official mixtape Flight 2011, which was entirely produced by New York producer Harry Fraud.[11]

The mixtape featured a sole guest appearance from Coke Boys-cohort French Montana.[12] On April 19, 2011, he released his fifth solo mixtape Cocaine Riot, featuring guest appearances from the various members of Coke Boys.[13]

On August 20, 2011, Coke Boys released their first official collaboration mixtape Coke Boys 2.[14] The mixtape was primarily produced by Harry Fraud, with additional production from Lex Luger.[15] Coke Boys 2 featured members Drugz, Montana, Cheeze, Flip, and Charlie Rock.[14] Following the Coke Boys 2 release, on September 24, 2011, Drugz and French Montana released a collaboration mixtape named, Coke Boys Run NY.[16]

On April 13, 2012, Coke Boys released their second collaboration mixtape, Coke Boys 3, which significantly featured Montana and Drugz throughout, along with Flip, gianni maggiacomo, and Charlie Rock.[17] Additional guest appearances came from Akon, Mac Miller, Rick Ross, Wale, and Red Cafe among others.[18][19] The mixtape was met with positive reviews from music critics, with the production the focal point of the praise.[20] XXL credited Montana and Drugz as being the stars of the mixtape.[20][21]

On July 3, 2012, Drugz released his sixth solo mixtape, Cocaine Riot 2, to positive critical reception with AllHipHop calling it a "classic".[22] Cocaine Riot 2 featured guest appearances from rappers Action Bronson and Chevy Woods, among others.[23][24] Cocaine Riot 2 featured the significant Montana and Drugz collaboration "I'm A Coke Boy".[25] In 2012, he was featured on Wale's "Let a Nigga Know" and Vado's "You Ain't Good".[21]

2013: Cocaine Riot 3

[edit]

On January 4, 2013, Drugz released the official remix to "I'm a Coke Boy" featuring rappers Rick Ross and Diddy, along with French Montana.[26] The remix would end up being ranked number 43 on Complex's list of the 50 best songs of 2013.[27] Then on April 15, 2013, Drugz released his seventh solo mixtape Cocaine Riot 3, which featured the previously released remix of "I'm a Coke Boy".[28][29] Cocaine Riot 3 featured additional guest appearances from Ace Hood, Juicy J, Yo Gotti, DJ Khaled, Roscoe Dash and others.[30]

Drugz told MTV that, "When I was making this mixtape, I was just trying to give the people something a little different from my normal. I basically started messing with a couple of different beats, but I kept it real New York. But I just really wanted to give 'em the other side of Chinx that they ain't been hearing in a while."[25] The mixtape closes with "Maybe", a tribute to his deceased childhood friend Stack Bundles.[31]

In a positive review XXL stated, "For all its signs of promise, Cocaine Riot 3 also has some rookie mistakes. There's also an over-reliance on features here that the mixtape could do without. The heavy guest list prevents Cocaine Riot 3 from being a landmark release, and so this mixtape ends up being more of a continuation of what we've already heard from Chinx Drug, rather than a step to the next level. Time will tell if he's up for that challenge."[21]

Less than a week after the release of Cocaine Riot 3, Drugz released the music video for the remix to "I'm a Coke Boy".[32] On May 14, 2013, Drugz released his four previous major solo mixtapes, Flight 2011, and the Cocaine Riot series for retail sale on iTunes.[33][34][35][36] He was featured on Montana's debut studio album, Excuse My French on the deluxe edition track "Throw It in the Bag".

On May 22, 2013, "Right There" featuring Juicy J and French Montana was released as the first single from Cocaine Riot 3.[37] "Up In Here" featuring Ace Hood would be released as the mixtape's second single on June 11, 2013.[38] On August 12, 2013, Drugz released the music video for "Up In Here" featuring Ace Hood from Cocaine Riot 3, which was shot in Miami, Florida.[39] That same day, French Montana announced that Coke Boys were working on their debut studio album as a group, along with a third mixtape to be released prior to the album.[40]

2013–15: I'll Take It From Here, Cocaine Riot 4 & 5, and Welcome To JFK

[edit]

On October 4, 2013, Chinx Drugz, now just going by "Chinx", announced he would release an EP via NuSense Music Group and Coke Boys Records, executive produced by Rick Steel[41] titled I'll Take It From Here, in November 2013.[42] On October 28, 2013, Chinx released "Feelings" featuring French Montana, the first single from the EP.[43] On November 26, 2013, it was revealed that Coke Boys would release their fourth mixtape in December 2013.[44] That same day, Chinx released his debut retail project, the previously announced EP I'll Take It from Here.[6]

He featured prominently on Coke Boys fourth mixtape, Coke Boys 4, released on January 1, 2014. On February 1, 2014, Chinx released the music video for "Feelings".[45] In April 2014, Chinx revealed that his next mixtape would be titled Cocaine Riot 4 and released on May 15, 2014. He released Cocaine Riot 5 on December 25, 2014.[46] He told XXL that his debut studio album would be titled Welcome To JFK.[47] He was being considered for the 2015 XXL Freshman Class.[48]

On June 2, 2015, Chinx's first official single for his posthumous album Welcome to JFK was released through eOne Music. The track is titled "On Your Body".[49]

Murder

[edit]

On May 17, 2015, NYPD officers, responding to a call,[citation needed] found Chinx and another victim in a car at Queens Boulevard and 84th Drive. Chinx was transported to Jamaica Medical Center in Queens with gunshot wounds to his torso, where he was pronounced dead, at age 31.[50] Two men who were already incarcerated on other charges have been re-arrested in connection with the murder.

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and certifications
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US US R&B US
Rap
Welcome to JFK 21 2 2
Legends Never Die
  • Release date: September 16, 2016
  • Label: Riot Squad, NuSense Music Group, Coke Boys, eOne Music
  • Format: CD, digital download
 121 8 5
CR6
  • Release date: December 2, 2022
  • Label: Riot Squad, NuSense Music Group, Coke Boys, eOne Music
  • Format: CD, digital download
 — — —
Cocaine Riot 7
  • Release date: May 12, 2023
  • Label: TRMG Inc.[52]
  • Format: Digital download
 — — —
"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory.

Extended plays

[edit]
Extended play
Title Album details
I'll Take It from Here
  • Released: November 26, 2013
  • Label: Riot Squad, NuSense Music Group, Coke Boys
  • Format: Digital download

Mixtapes

[edit]
  • 2009: Hurry Up & Die Vol. 1 (Get Ya Casket On)
  • 2010: Hurry Up & Die Vol. 2 (From The Cage To The Stage)
  • 2010: Hurry Up & Die Vol. 3
  • 2010: Coke Boys (with Coke Boys)
  • 2011: Flight 2011 (with Harry Fraud)
  • 2011: Cocaine Riot
  • 2011: Coke Boys 2 (with Coke Boys)
  • 2011: Coke Boys Run NY (with French Montana)
  • 2012: Coke Boys 3 (with Coke Boys)
  • 2012: Cocaine Riot 2
  • 2013: Cocaine Riot 3
  • 2014: Coke Boys 4 (with Coke Boys)
  • 2014: CR4: Woulda Been Here Sooner
  • 2014: CR5

Singles

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
List of singles as lead performer, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"I'm a Coke Boy"
(featuring French Montana)(prod. by Dilligang) 		2012 Cocaine Riot 2
"Right There"
(featuring Juicy J and French Montana) 		2013 Cocaine Riot 3
"We Up in Here"
(featuring Ace Hood)
"Feelings"
(featuring French Montana) 		2014 I'll Take It from Here
"Couple Niggas" Cocaine Riot 4
"On Your Body" [53]
(featuring Meet Sims) 		2015 Welcome to JFK
"How to Get Rich"
"For the Love"
(featuring Meet Sims) 		2016 Legends Never Die
[edit]
List of singles as featured artist, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"Bricksquad Cokeboy"[54]
(Frenchie featuring Chinx Drugz) 		2012 —
"Squeeze"
(Big Lean featuring Chinx Drugz) 		2013 Can't Stop Now
"Don't Waste My Time"
(Krept & Konan featuring Chinx, French Montana, Chip, Wretch 32) 		2014
"Off the Rip"
(French Montana featuring Chinx & N.O.R.E.) 		2015 non-album single
"F**k A Real N***a"
(DJ Clue featuring Plies, Lil Wayne, Chris Echols & Chinx) 		2018 TBA

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Chinx

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lionel Du Fon Pickens (December 4, 1983 – May 17, 2015), known professionally as Chinx (formerly Chinx Drugz), was an American rapper from Far Rockaway, Queens, New York. He rose to prominence in the early as a member of the Coke Boys collective led by , releasing mixtapes and collaborating on tracks that blended street-oriented lyricism with mainstream hip-hop appeal. Chinx was fatally shot in a in , at age 31, shortly before the release of his debut studio album, cutting short a career marked by raw energy and affiliations with influential figures in New York rap. Born and raised in the Redfern and Edgemere housing projects, Chinx began his musical journey in the late 1990s as part of the Rockaway-based group The Riot Squad alongside childhood friend Stack Bundles. After Stack Bundles' death in 2007, Chinx continued honing his craft as Chinx Drugz, reflecting his gritty, drug-trade-inspired narratives in his music. His breakthrough came in 2012 with the single "I'm a Coke Boy" featuring French Montana, which gained traction after premiering on Hot 97 in 2013 and helped propel him into the Coke Boys roster. Over the next few years, he built a dedicated following through a series of mixtapes, including the Cocaine Riot series (volumes 1–5) and the EP I'll Take It From Here (2013), often collaborating with artists like Max B, Rick Ross, and Diddy. Chinx's murder on May 17, 2015, while stopped at a red light in his , sparked widespread tributes from the hip-hop community, including from and . Two suspects, Quincy Homere and Jamar Hill, were later arrested in connection with the killing, motivated by a long-standing grudge; Homere was sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2024. Posthumously, his debut album Welcome to JFK was released in August 2015, followed by Legends Never Die in 2016 and additional projects like Chinx Drugz 6 in 2022, cementing his legacy as a promising voice in hip-hop. In 2025, on the 10th anniversary of his death, his family launched the Chinx Foundation to support anti-violence initiatives in his honor.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Lionel Du Fon Pickens, known professionally as Chinx, was born on December 4, 1983, in , New York, and raised in the Far Rockaway neighborhood, a remote coastal area marked by socioeconomic challenges and complexes. He spent his early years in the Redfern Houses and Edgemere Houses (later renamed Ocean Bay Apartments), environments characterized by isolation and limited opportunities, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean amid high-rises battered by wind. Chinx's family background reflected the struggles of his upbringing; his mother, Veronica Clinton, worked as a clerk to support the household, while his biological father was largely absent and died when Chinx was a teenager. After his mother's remarriage to Harold Clinton, the family moved to Amityville, Long Island, where he attended Amityville High School. Raised primarily by his mother in these housing projects, Chinx navigated a youth influenced by street life, including an early involvement in narcotics sales that later inspired his stage name, Chinx Drugz. At age 15, in 1999, he faced significant legal trouble after participating in a robbery that escalated to attempted murder charges, during which he earned his GED while incarcerated. His introduction to music came during junior high school, where he began freestyling rhymes casually at lunch tables with friends for entertainment. By ninth grade, however, Chinx committed more seriously to , channeling earnings from street hustling into studio sessions to develop his sound and style. This period marked the transition from recreational activity to a determined pursuit, shaped by the harsh realities of Far Rockaway's hip-hop scene.

Initial involvement in music

Lionel Pickens, known professionally as Chinx, first engaged with music during his formative years in Far Rockaway, Queens, where the surrounding environment of poverty and street life shaped his artistic inclinations. Growing up amid hip-hop's cultural influence in , he drew inspiration from pioneering artists such as 2Pac, , Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., and Nas, whose raw expressions of urban experiences resonated with his own realities. These figures encouraged Chinx to view music as a medium for authentic and personal outlet. Chinx began casually in junior high school, freestyling at tables with friends as a form of recreation and camaraderie. This informal start allowed him to experiment with rhymes and flows without formal pressure. By , however, he committed more deeply to the craft, recognizing its potential as a career path amid his challenging circumstances. At around age 15, Chinx's passion intensified, leading him to write lyrics in his bedroom and seek out local recording studios to hone his skills. He invested earnings from street activities into studio sessions, focusing on developing a unique sound that blended Queens grit with broader hip-hop elements. This early dedication marked the transition from hobbyist to aspiring professional, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors in the local scene.

Career

Formation of Riot Squad and early mixtapes (2000–2010)

In the early 2000s, Lionel Pickens, performing under the stage name Chinx Drugz, co-founded the Rockaway Riot Squad (RRS) with fellow rappers Stack Bundles, Bynoe, and Cau2Gs in Far Rockaway, Queens. The group formed amid the neighborhood's burgeoning hip-hop scene, where the members—having grown up together and shared similar experiences of street life—united to create music that captured their local sound and struggles. They began recording tracks collaboratively, focusing on raw, energetic flows influenced by East Coast rap pioneers, though the crew did not achieve widespread commercial releases during this period. The Riot Squad's momentum was halted in June 2005 when Chinx was sentenced to on and charges, serving approximately three years until his release in October 2008. While incarcerated at , Chinx learned of the tragic murder of Stack Bundles in June 2007, an event that profoundly impacted him and reinforced his commitment to the group's legacy upon returning to music. The loss underscored the perils of their environment, yet it motivated Chinx to channel his experiences into his artistry. Following his release, Chinx launched his solo career with the debut Hurry Up & Die Vol. 1: Get Ya Casket On on April 13, 2009, distributed through underground platforms and hosted by DJs like Bizkit and Lazy K. The project featured 20 tracks of aggressive, street-oriented rap, including standouts like "Stop Breathin," reflecting themes of survival and Queens grit, and it garnered attention in New York's circuit. Building on this, he released Hurry Up & Die Vol. 2: From the Cage to the Stage on January 7, 2010, which explored his post-prison transition with introspective lyrics over hard-hitting beats. Later that year, on April 13, 2010, Chinx dropped Hurry Up & Die Vol. 3, hosted by Its Bizkit and DJ Lazy K, further establishing his signature style of melodic hooks blended with raw narratives. These , while not charting commercially, helped solidify Chinx's underground presence and honored ethos through occasional crew references.

Affiliation with Coke Boys and breakthrough (2011–2012)

In 2011, Chinx, born Lionel Pickens, solidified his position within French Montana's Coke Boys collective, a group he had initially joined around 2009 following an introduction through rapper after his release from prison. The affiliation provided Chinx with greater visibility in the New York hip-hop scene, as he contributed to the Coke Boys' collaborative efforts, including appearances on the group's second , Coke Boys 2, released on August 19, 2011. Tracks like "3 Kings" and "Money Bags," featuring Chinx alongside Montana and other affiliates such as Cheeze and Charlie Rock, showcased his gritty, street-oriented flow and helped elevate the collective's profile in the mixtape circuit. That same year, Chinx achieved a personal milestone with the release of his Cocaine Riot on April 19, 2011, marking the start of his signature series produced under the Coke Boys banner. The project, distributed via platforms like , featured 18 tracks blending trap-influenced beats with Chinx's Queens-rooted lyricism, including collaborations with on songs like "Had It All." This release garnered attention for its raw energy and served as a moment, establishing Chinx as a standalone within the group while aligning him closely with Montana's rising stardom. By mid-2011, Chinx's consistent features on Coke Boys projects and his solo output began to build a dedicated following in New York's underground rap community. Building on this momentum into 2012, Chinx released Cocaine Riot 2 on July 3, , expanding the series with 18 tracks that further honed his signature sound of hustler anthems and melodic hooks. The mixtape included standout cuts like "What It Look Like," produced by Knalo Beatz, and reinforced his role in the Coke Boys by incorporating group aesthetics without overshadowing his individual style. During this period, Chinx's affiliations led to high-profile remixes, such as his verse on the "Flexin' Hard" remix with and , which amplified his exposure on radio and platforms. These efforts marked 2011–2012 as a pivotal phase, transitioning Chinx from a supporting crew member to an emerging force in hip-hop, with his s accumulating significant streams and downloads on sites like LiveMixtapes.

Peak releases and collaborations (2013–2015)

In 2013, Chinx marked a significant escalation in his career with the release of Cocaine Riot 3 on April 15, a that showcased his growing prominence within the Coke Boys collective. The project featured high-profile collaborations, including , , , Diddy, , , and , blending trap beats with street narratives that highlighted Chinx's Queens-rooted lyricism. This mixtape built on the momentum from prior installments, solidifying Chinx's role as a key affiliate in 's orbit. Later that year, on November 26, Chinx dropped his debut EP I'll Take It from Here under his shortened moniker, executive produced by Rick Steel and distributed via , which included tracks like "Feelings" previewing his solo potential amid Coke Boys affiliations. The following year, 2014, saw Chinx deepen his collaborative ties through 's Coke Boys 4 , released on January 2, where he contributed verses alongside emerging talents like and established names such as Diddy and , emphasizing the crew's cohesive sound of luxury trap anthems. On May 15, he followed with Cocaine Riot 4, continuing the series' annual tradition with features from and others, focusing on themes of ambition and street survival that resonated in the mid-2010s hip-hop landscape. A standout collaboration from this period was the remix of "I'm a Coke Boy" with in 2013, which gained traction for its infectious hook and propelled Chinx's visibility after premiering on Hot 97, followed by the 2013 single "Feelings" featuring Montana, produced by and released as a digital single that underscored their mentor-protégé dynamic. By late 2014 and into 2015, Chinx's output peaked with Cocaine Riot 5, released on December 25, 2014, featuring , , and production on tracks like "Point Blank," which captured his raw energy just months before his . This exemplified his prolific streak, with 13 tracks blending solo cuts and features that highlighted his versatility in trap and melodic flows. His final major release, the posthumous debut studio Welcome to JFK on August 14, 2015, via eOne Music, included collaborations with , , and , serving as a capstone to his peak era with polished production and reflective lyrics on success and loss. The debuted at number 21 on the , reflecting Chinx's enduring impact through these partnerships.

Personal life

Relationships and family

Chinx, born Lionel Du Fon Pickens, was the son of Veronica Clinton and Lionel Pickens, who passed away during Chinx's teenage years. His mother worked as a clerk, while his father maintained an inconsistent presence in his life. His mother later remarried Harold Clinton, and the family moved to Amityville, . Raised primarily in the Redfern and Edgemere Houses in Far Rockaway, Queens, after being born in on December 4, 1983, Chinx grew up in a challenging environment that influenced his early involvement in music and street life. Chinx was married to Janelli Caceres, whom he wed in 2006 while in ; she also served as his manager and remained a key figure in his professional and personal life. The couple resided in , and Janelli was vocal about her grief following his death, expressing profound loss on and in interviews. She actively participated in posthumous projects, including appearing in music videos dedicated to him. At the time of his in May 2015, Chinx was a to three children, two of whom he had with his Janelli Caceres and one from a previous relationship, aged 15, 11, and 4. He also had an extramarital relationship with Patricija Muratovic, who was pregnant at the time of his ; she gave birth to their son, Liam, on July 28, 2015. Janelli supported the newborn's arrival, attending Muratovic's and publicly welcoming Liam into the family alongside Chinx's other children, emphasizing unity in the wake of tragedy. This brought Chinx's total number of children to four. Prior to his music career gaining traction, Lionel Pickens, known professionally as Chinx, faced significant legal challenges stemming from criminal activities in his early adulthood. In 2003, he was arrested on a first-degree robbery charge in Suffolk County, New York. This led to further charges related to robbery and drug possession, resulting in a prison sentence that began in June 2005 and lasted more than three years, until his release in October 2008. During this period of incarceration, Pickens reflected on his experiences as a turning point, later channeling them into his lyrics about overcoming poverty, street life, and ambition. No major legal entanglements were reported after his release, as he focused on music with the Riot Squad collective and later the Coke Boys imprint. Chinx cultivated a public persona rooted in authenticity and resilience, portraying himself as a product of ' Far Rockaway neighborhood who rose from incarceration and hardship to mainstream hip-hop success. His image was closely tied to his affiliation with French Montana's Coke Boys Records, where he embodied the label's flashy, triumphant aesthetic through tracks like "I'm a Coke Boy" (2012), which celebrated post-prison hustle and luxury. Lyrics across his Cocaine Riot mixtape series often drew from personal chronicles of drug trade involvement, survival, and loyalty to his crew, blending gritty street narratives with club-ready anthems that appealed to both underground and commercial audiences. He emphasized originality in interviews, avoiding direct comparisons to other artists while highlighting influences from 1990s icons like 2Pac, , and . Following his death in a 2015 drive-by shooting, Chinx's public image extended into posthumous discussions around his legacy and the responsibilities of his inner circle. A notable controversy arose over the funding of his funeral arrangements, with fans criticizing for not fully covering costs, leading to a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $9,600 for his wife and three children. Montana addressed the backlash on , affirming that "his funeral is taken care of" and urging positivity. This incident underscored perceptions of Chinx as a devoted family man and loyal artist whose untimely death amplified debates on support within hip-hop's competitive ecosystem.

Death and legacy

The murder

On May 17, 2015, rapper Lionel Pickens, known professionally as Chinx, was fatally shot in a drive-by attack in the Briarwood neighborhood of , New York. The incident occurred just after 4 a.m. on near 84th Drive, where Chinx and his associate, Antar Alziadi, were traveling in a silver 2015 . Chinx had recently performed at the Red Wolf nightclub in and was en route home when another vehicle pulled alongside theirs at a red light and opened fire through the driver's side window. Chinx sustained at least eight wounds—possibly as many as 15—and managed to drive a short distance before pulling over in front of a , where he succumbed to his injuries at . Alziadi, seated in the passenger side, was struck twice in the back, suffering a punctured , but survived after receiving treatment at the same hospital and was reported in stable condition. Police recovered two 9-mm shell casings from the street and one from inside the , but no arrests were made at the scene, and the motive remained unclear in the immediate aftermath. Chinx, aged 31 at the time, was a rising star in the hip-hop scene, affiliated with French Montana's Coke Boys Records.

Investigation, trial, and resolution

Following the of Lionel "Chinx" Pickens on May 17, 2015, along in Briarwood, New York, the (NYPD) launched an immediate investigation into the homicide. Officers responded to reports of gunfire and found Pickens and another individual wounded in a parked ; Pickens succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds at a nearby hospital, while the second victim survived. Early leads explored potential connections to the 2007 unsolved murder of rapper Stack Bundles, a close associate of Pickens and fellow member of collective, amid speculation of gang-related retaliation in the rap scene. The investigation, spanning over two years, involved surveillance footage, witness interviews, and cellphone data analysis, ultimately identifying a personal motive rather than broader ties. Authorities determined the killing stemmed from a six-year grudge originating in 2011, when suspect Jamar Hill was shot in the leg during a involving Pickens and members; Hill allegedly held Pickens responsible for the incident. On December 14, 2017, NYPD arrested Hill, then 26, and Quincy Homere, then 32, both from , charging them with second-degree murder, attempted murder, first-degree assault, and . Homere was identified as the shooter based on ballistic evidence linking the firearm to the , while Hill was accused of driving the getaway vehicle. In April 2018, a indicted both men on the charges, with each facing up to 25 years to life if convicted at trial. The case faced multiple delays, including procedural issues and the on court proceedings, extending for both suspects. By mid-2018, Hill entered plea negotiations but did not reach an agreement at that time. Homere remained in custody throughout, while Hill was later incarcerated separately on an unrelated weapons conviction. The resolution came partially in 2024, when Homere, now 39, pleaded guilty on July 15 to first-degree in a deal reducing the charges from second-degree murder. On August 12, Queens Justice Michael Hartofilis sentenced Homere to 23 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision, crediting since his 2017 arrest. Pickens' family expressed dissatisfaction with the , advocating for a life sentence but acknowledging the closure after nearly a decade. As of November 2025, Hill's case remained pending, with ongoing discussions of a potential deal, though he continued serving time on his unrelated ; no further trial developments have been reported.

Posthumous impact and tributes

Following Chinx's death on May 17, 2015, his estate and collaborators released several posthumous projects to preserve his musical legacy. His debut studio album, Welcome to JFK, arrived on August 14, 2015, via eOne Music, featuring collaborations with artists such as , , and ; it debuted at No. 21 on the chart, underscoring his enduring appeal within the hip-hop community. Subsequent releases included the 14-track album Legends Never Die on August 5, 2016, with contributions from on the track "Legendary" and others like and , emphasizing themes of perseverance and street narratives. Later efforts, such as Chinx Drugz 6 in December 2022 featuring and Offset, and Cocaine Riot 7 in May 2023, continued to draw from his unreleased material, maintaining his association with the Coke Boys collective. French Montana, Chinx's close collaborator and Coke Boys co-founder, has been instrumental in sustaining his influence, frequently honoring him through public tributes and integrated features in his own work. On the second anniversary of Chinx's passing in 2017, shared reflective Instagram posts and performed songs like "Off the Rip," which prominently featured Chinx, to affirm their bond and Chinx's role in shaping the Coke Boys sound. completed and released additional posthumous material, including contributions to Coke Boys 5 in , ensuring Chinx's verses reached audiences and perpetuated his gritty lyricism. These efforts highlight Chinx's lasting impact on 's career trajectory and the broader New York rap scene. Immediate tributes from the hip-hop world amplified Chinx's profile posthumously, with celebrities including , , and expressing condolences and support via and public statements shortly after his death. A TV documentary, Long Live Chinx, premiered in October 2015, chronicling his life as and rising artist, while an emotional listening session for Welcome to JFK in July 2015 drew family, friends, and industry figures to celebrate his artistry. On the 10th anniversary of his death, Chinx's family launched the Lionel D. Pickens Foundation on May 6, 2025, a nonprofit dedicated to , academic guidance, social-emotional development, and programs in Far Rockaway and greater New York City, reflecting his roots and commitment to community upliftment. The foundation, established by his mother Veronica Clinton and loved ones, provides scholarships and resources to underprivileged , extending Chinx's legacy beyond music into tangible social impact.

Discography

Studio albums and extended plays

Chinx's discography includes one released during his lifetime and three posthumous studio albums, reflecting his evolution from street-oriented to more polished hip-hop productions affiliated with the Coke Boys collective. His debut retail project, the EP I'll Take It From Here, marked his initial foray into commercial releases, while the subsequent albums were compiled and finalized by his team and collaborators after his death in 2015. These works often feature contributions from , Meet Sims, and other Coke Boys affiliates, emphasizing themes of street life, ambition, and Queens resilience. The following table summarizes Chinx's studio albums and extended plays:
TitleTypeRelease dateLabel(s)Peak chart positions
EPNovember 26, 2013Coke Boys, NuSense Music Group—
Welcome to JFKStudio albumAugust 14, 2015eOne Music, Coke BoysUS : 21
US : 2
US Rap Albums: 2
Legends Never DieStudio albumSeptember 16, 2016Entertainment One, Coke BoysUS : 121
US : 8
CR6Studio albumDecember 2, 2022, NuSense Music Group—
I'll Take It From Here consists of five tracks, including "Feelings" featuring and "Wake Up" with , showcasing Chinx's melodic flow over producers like JBonkaz and Jamason. Released as his first non-mixtape project, it highlighted his versatility beyond hardcore , blending introspective with club-ready beats. The EP received positive user reception for its cohesive production but did not achieve significant commercial charting. Chinx's debut studio album, Welcome to JFK, was posthumously released less than three months after his , with his team finalizing unfinished tracks to honor his vision. The project debuted with 16,467 units sold in its first week, driven by singles like "I'm a Coke Boy (Remix)" and features from and . It peaked at No. 21 on the and No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, underscoring posthumous interest in his story. Critics noted its trap-heavy sound and emotional weight, with tracks like "Go Get It" exemplifying his Queens-rooted hustle narrative. The second studio album, Legends Never Die, arrived over a year later as a tribute, featuring 14 tracks with guests including on "Like This" and Mavado on "Legendary." It entered the at No. 121 and reached No. 8 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with first-week sales around 5,000 units. The album balanced celebratory anthems and reflective cuts, such as "For the Love," emphasizing Chinx's enduring legacy within the Coke Boys camp. Reviews praised its polished execution despite being assembled from vault material. In 2022, Chinx's estate released CR6 (also known as Chinx Drugz 6), a 12-track posthumous effort featuring , Offset, and , produced largely by Chinx himself before his death. Timed near what would have been his 39th birthday, it revisits unreleased recordings with a focus on high-energy trap and motivational themes, like the single "Gettin Money" with Red Cafe. The did not chart prominently but served as a reminder of his untapped potential, receiving mixed reviews for its raw authenticity over innovation.

Mixtapes

Chinx began his music career releasing independent mixtapes under the moniker Chinx Drugz, drawing from his experiences in , New York, and affiliations with local crews like the Rockaway . His early projects emphasized gritty street narratives and raw production, establishing a foundation before aligning with French Montana's Coke Boys collective. These initial releases garnered local buzz but limited mainstream attention until his involvement in collaborative efforts. The Hurry Up & Die series marked Chinx's debut as a solo artist, showcasing his aggressive flow and themes of survival and hustling. Released between 2009 and 2010, the trilogy reflected his pre-Coke Boys era, with Vol. 1: Get Ya Casket On dropping in 2009 as a 15-track effort hosted by DJ Mighty K and DJ Lazy K, featuring tracks like "Stop Breathin'" produced by . Vol. 2 followed in 2010, expanding on similar themes with features from emerging Coke Boys associates, while Vol. 3, released April 19, 2010, included collaborations such as "Tunnel Vision" with , signaling his growing ties to the . The series totaled over 40 tracks across the volumes, prioritizing high-energy remixes and original beats to build underground momentum. Upon joining Coke Boys in 2009, Chinx contributed to several group mixtapes, blending his style with French 's wavy sound and guest appearances from affiliates. Notable among these was Coke Boys Run NY (September 26, 2011), a joint project with Montana that highlighted their chemistry through 18 tracks of East Coast trap influences. Another key collaboration, The Jack Move (March 7, 2014), remixed popular hits like "OG Bobby Johnson" and "," featuring additional verses from artists including and A$AP Ferg, and served as a creative pivot toward mainstream crossover appeal. These tapes, part of a broader Coke Boys run from 2010 to 2014, positioned Chinx as a core member, with his contributions appearing on five volumes in total. Chinx's signature Cocaine Riot series, launched in 2011, became his most prolific and impactful body of work, embodying the high-stakes energy of his stage name and Coke Boys ethos. The inaugural Cocaine Riot (April 19, 2011) introduced the concept with 18 tracks hosted by Evil Empire, focusing on opulent street tales over trap beats. Cocaine Riot 2 (July 3, 2012) escalated with features from , , and , delivering 18 cuts that emphasized melodic hooks and luxury motifs. The third installment (April 15, 2013), hosted by , featured , , and across 14 tracks, peaking at over 1 million downloads and solidifying Chinx's rising profile. Cocaine Riot 4 (May 15, 2014) maintained the momentum with 12 concise tracks, including standout remixes and appearances by and . The series culminated in Chinx's lifetime with Cocaine Riot 5 (December 25, 2014), a 14-track release boasting production from and features like and , which underscored his evolution toward polished trap anthems before his untimely death. Posthumously, the series continued with Cocaine Riot 7 (May 12, 2023), a 12-track release from his estate featuring on "Candy Rain" and other unreleased material, released ahead of the eighth anniversary of his death to honor his legacy. Collectively, the five volumes amassed millions of streams and downloads, influencing Coke Boys' sound and cementing Chinx's legacy in New York hip-hop.
TitleRelease DateTypeNotable Features/Tracks
Hurry Up & Die Vol. 1: Get Ya Casket On2009Solo 15 tracks; "Stop Breathin'" (prod. Doc)
Hurry Up & Die Vol. 2: From the Cage to the Stage2010Solo Features from Coke Boys affiliates; 16 tracks
Hurry Up & Die Vol. 3April 19, 2010Solo "Tunnel Vision" feat. ; 13 tracks
Coke Boys Run NYSeptember 26, 2011Collaborative (w/ )18 tracks; East Coast trap focus
RiotApril 19, 2011Solo 18 tracks; hosted by Evil Empire
Riot 2July 3, 2012Solo Feat. , ; 18 tracks
Riot 3April 15, 2013Solo Feat. , host; 14 tracks
The Jack MoveMarch 7, 2014Collaborative (w/ )Remixes of hits; feat. , A$AP Ferg; 18 tracks
Riot 4May 15, 2014Solo Feat. , ; 12 tracks
Riot 5December 25, 2014Solo Feat. , prod.; 14 tracks
Riot 7May 12, 2023Solo Feat. ; 12 tracks, posthumous

Singles

Chinx's singles were predominantly released as digital downloads and promotional tracks tied to his mixtapes and affiliations with the Coke Boys collective, often emphasizing trap-influenced hip-hop with themes of street life and success. Many of his releases featured collaborations with labelmates like , helping to build his profile in the New York rap scene before his death in 2015. While he did not achieve major mainstream chart success on platforms like the , his singles garnered attention within hip-hop circles for their energetic production and lyrical content. Posthumously, additional singles have been released by his estate as of 2025. A pivotal early single, "I'm a Coke Boy," released in 2012 and featuring , marked Chinx's introduction to a wider audience and solidified his role in the Coke Boys movement; a remix later included and Diddy, amplifying its reach through circuits. In 2014, "Feelings" featuring followed, blending introspective lyrics with a bouncy trap beat, and was promoted as a standalone digital single that highlighted Chinx's evolving style. Posthumously, Chinx's output continued with singles from his debut studio album Welcome to JFK. The lead single, "On Your Body" featuring Meet Sims, was released on June 2, 2015, by Entertainment One Music, and served as a track with its upbeat and themes of resilience; it was accompanied by an official . Another posthumous release, "For the Love" featuring Meet Sims, emerged in April 2016 as a digital single, reflecting ongoing efforts by his estate and collaborators to honor his legacy. Additional notable singles include "Match That" in 2015, a high-energy track released via Entertainment One ahead of Welcome to JFK, and earlier efforts like "Faded" with Mario Abrams in 2014, which showcased his versatility in club-oriented rap. Later posthumous singles include "The Oath" (2023), a solo track emphasizing perseverance; "Taking Flight (Remastered)" featuring Red (March 1, 2024), a remastered version of an earlier collaboration; "Gutta Bxtch" (December 6, 2024), a gritty solo release; and "La Forty" featuring Clika Nostra (July 25, 2025), blending hip-hop with Latin influences. These releases, often distributed through independent labels and streaming platforms, contributed to Chinx's , with tracks like "I'm a Coke Boy" and "Feelings" frequently cited among his most impactful works in hip-hop retrospectives.

References

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  3. http://chinxofficial.com/bio
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  89. https://www.discogs.com/release/10384083-Chinx-Featuring-Meet-Sims-For-The-Love
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  92. https://open.spotify.com/track/44JZIvZmPx0oShT8facKb0
  93. https://music.apple.com/us/album/la-forty-single/1827656015
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