Bang 3

Bang 3 was originally planned to be released on December 25, 2013, as a mixtape. However, in February 2014, Chief's manager, Peeda Pan, announced the project would be developed into a full-length album.{{cite web|last=Fleischer|first=Adam|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1725121/chief-keef-bang-3-june-10/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516055129/http://www.mtv.com/news/1725121/chief-keef-bang-3-june-10/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 16, 2014|title=Chief Keef's Bang 3 Gets A Release Date… Now Stop Asking|publisher=MTV|date=March 31, 2014|accessdate=November 7, 2014}} In late February it was announced Chief Keef was planning to release the EP Bang 4, as a "preview" for Bang 3.{{cite magazine|last=Kramer|first=Kyle|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/02/chief-keef-is-releasing-bang-4-the-ep-bfo-b3-as-a-preview-to-bang-3|title=Chief Keef Is Releasing "Bang 4" as A Preview to "Bang 3" Because He's Living In The Future|magazine=Complex|date=February 27, 2014|accessdate=November 8, 2014}} However, as Bang 3, kept getting pushed back, so did Bang 4, until November when Chief Keef continued to go through with his plan of releasing the EP.{{cite web|last=Keef|first=Chief|url=https://twitter.com/ChiefKeef/status/529721776306405376|title=Finna drop some off B4 The Ep B4 B3|publisher=Twitter|date=November 4, 2014|accessdate=November 8, 2014}}

While Chief was still signed with Interscope Records, the label's executive, Larry Jackson, announced a June 10, 2014 release date.{{cite web|last=Lilah|first=Rose|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/chief-keef-announces-bang-3-release-date-update-new-date-announced-news.8915.html|title=Chief Keef Announces "Bang 3" Release Date [Update: New Date Announced]|publisher=Hot New Hip Hop|date=March 31, 2014|accessdate=November 7, 2014}} The album was later delayed to a September 30 release, and following another push back after that, Chief was dropped from Interscope Records.{{cite journal|last=DeGroot|first=Joey|url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/13024/20141021/chief-keef-dropped-interscope-records-plans-release-own-album.htm|title=Chief Keef Dropped from Interscope Records, Plans to Release Album on His Own|journal=Music Times|date=October 21, 2014|accessdate=November 8, 2014}} This is despite Jackson previously stating that he and the label were behind Keef and Bang 3.{{cite magazine|last=Krishnamurthy|first=Sowmya|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5908374/chief-keef-talks-rehab-bang-3-album-learning-how-to-surf|title=Chief Keef Talks Rehab, 'Bang 3' Album & Learning How to Surf|magazine=Billboard|date=February 14, 2014|accessdate=November 8, 2014}} An AllHipHop report details Interscope's disinterest in releasing a follow-up album to Finally Rich.{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Houston|url=http://allhiphop.com/2014/10/21/exclusive-chief-keef-dropped-by-interscope-records/|title=Exclusive: Chief Keef Dropped By Interscope Records|publisher=AllHipHop|date=October 21, 2014|accessdate=December 27, 2014}} An anonymous source for the report details, "Keef’s team tried to have formal meetings but nothing moved." Legal issues that Keef dealt with seemed to cause Interscope to "subtly disassociate" with Keef.{{cite magazine|last=Ramirez|first=Erika|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6289381/chief-keef-confirms-being-dropped-from-interscope-records-on|title=Chief Keef Confirms Being Dropped From Interscope Records on Twitter|magazine=Billboard|date=October 22, 2014|accessdate=December 27, 2014}}

Regardless, Chief Keef maintained that he would release the album himself, and after confirming his departure from the label, tweeted "One-hundred percent of everything goes to me now."{{cite magazine|last=Kennedy|first=John|url=http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/is-this-the-end-for-chief-keef-111|title=Is This the End for Chief Keef?|magazine=Ebony|date=October 23, 2014|accessdate=November 8, 2014}} Additionally, Keef confirmed that he would be planning a Christmas release for the album.{{cite web|last=Keef|first=Chief|url=https://twitter.com/ChiefKeef/status/524612082378211329|title=Fuck that Everything that was Supposed to drop Still dropping 10days left for #BFTD2and Christmas #B3 SituationGang!|publisher=Twitter|date=October 21, 2014|accessdate=December 27, 2014}}{{cite journal|last=Carter|first=Caitlin|url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/14052/20141031/stream-chief-keef-back-from-the-dead-2-mixtape-tracklist-gucci-mane-interscope.htm|title=Stream Chief Keef's 'Back From The Dead 2' Mixtape [TRACKLIST]|journal=Music Times|date=October 31, 2014|accessdate=November 8, 2014}} However, once again, the album's release did not materialize.{{cite journal|last=DeGroot|first=Joey|url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/21820/20141226/chief-keef-fredo-santana-drop-new-track-bodies-ground-listen.htm|title=Chief Keef, Fredo Santana Drop New Track 'Bodies on the Ground' [LISTEN]|journal=Music Times|date=December 26, 2014|accessdate=December 27, 2014}}

Although delayed several times, Chief would release tracks from the album, to allow people to know that the album would still be eventually released.{{cite journal|last=DeGroot|first=Joey|url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/11185/20141002/chief-keef-shares-new-song-dear-from-upcoming-album-bang-3-listen.htm|title=Chief Keef Shares New Song "Dear" From Upcoming Album 'Bang 3' [LISTEN]|journal=Music Times|date=October 2, 2014|accessdate=November 8, 2014}} In July 2014, Chief Keef released a tentative track listing, revealing that Lil B will be featuring on the album.{{cite web|last=Goddard|first=Kevin|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/chief-keef-reveals-tentative-tracklist-for-bang-3-news.11460.html|title=Chief Keef Reveals Tentative Tracklist For "Bang 3"|publisher=Hot New Hip Hop|date=July 28, 2014|accessdate=November 8, 2014}} A$AP Rocky was also confirmed be featured on the album on the track "Superheroes".{{cite web|last=Goddard|first=Kevin|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/bts-photos-chief-keef-and-asap-rocky-s-upcoming-superheroes-video-news.11558.html|title=BTS Photos: Chief Keef & A$AP Rocky's Upcoming "Superheroes" Video|publisher=Hot New Hip Hop|date=August 5, 2014|accessdate=November 8, 2014}} Fellow Chicago rapper and previous collaborator, Kanye West, was also set to feature on the track "Nobody",{{cite web|last=Minsker|first=Evan|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/56353-chief-keef-teases-collaborative-track-with-kanye-west-nobody/|title=Chief Keef Teases Collaborative Track With Kanye West, "Nobody"|website=Pitchfork|date=August 17, 2014|accessdate=November 8, 2014}}{{cite magazine|last=Ramirez|first=Erika|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6236632/chief-keef-kanye-west-nobody-artwork|title=Chief Keef Reveals Artwork for Kanye West Collabo 'Nobody'|magazine=Billboard|date=September 2, 2014|accessdate=November 8, 2014}} until that project developed into its own album.{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Caitlin|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/chief-keef-announces-nobody-the-album-featuring-kanye-west-and-tadoe-news.12952.html|title=Chief Keef, Kanye West Collaboration "Nobody" Has Leaked Ahead Of Album Release|publisher=Hot New Hip Hop|date=December 15, 2014|accessdate=December 18, 2014}} Keef decided to rework the entirety of Bang 3{{'}}s track list, except for "Superheroes", which appeared on the final album. On July 25, 2015, Chief Keef organized a promotional concert for Bang 3, which also served as a charity concert to help out the victims of a drive-by shooting that left Keef's fellow Glo Gang member, Capo, as well as 1-year-old child Dillan Harris dead. Due to outstanding warrants, Keef performed via hologram. However, during the concert, Hammond police shut down the concert.

On August 1, 2015, 2 songs from the album featuring A$AP Rocky and Mac Miller were leaked. Soon after the album was released for free as a mixtape on the website Hot New Hip Hop and other mixtape sites. The next day, the mixtape was removed from Hot New Hip Hop at the request of Alki David, and was made available through FilmOnTV for purchase. The official version was then made available for purchase on iTunes on August 3, 2015. Later that day Keef via social media, Keef told fans Bang 3 was a double disc album. On August 8 an official release date for the second part of Bang 3 was set for August 18 which was the original release date for the album. However, come August 18 the album was delayed to September 18th with a pre-order made available. The album would then be released on September 18 with a physical edition available which included both discs and advertising 3 bonus tracks (T'd, 'Ignorant' and 'Told Ya'). Due to a technical error, the 3 bonus tracks were not featured on the physical edition and as compensation an employee of FilmOn provided those with proof of purchase 2 extra tracks ('Off The Tooka/Tooka' and 'Real Money') as well as the original advertised 3 bonus tracks.

{{Music ratings

|rev1 = AllMusic

|rev1Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/bang-3-pts-1-2-mw0002872250 |title=Bang 3, Pts. 1–2 – Chief Keef |website=AllMusic |accessdate=November 29, 2018 |last=Jeffries |first=David}}

|rev2 = HipHopDX

|rev2Score = 3.5/5{{cite web |url=http://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.2509/title.chief-keef-bang-3 |title=Chief Keef: Bang 3 |work=HipHopDX |date=August 7, 2015 |accessdate=October 25, 2015 |last=Pearce |first=Sheldon}}

|rev3 = Pitchfork

|rev3score = 7.1/10{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/20925-bang-3/|title=Chief Keef: Bang 3 |work=Pitchfork |date=August 13, 2015 |accessdate=October 25, 2015 |last=Cook-Wilson |first=Winston}}

}}

Bang 3 was met with a generally positive reception, critics argued that it's his most polished work since Finally Rich. "The higher, clearer production values are most immediately noticeable—this is the crispest-sounding Keef release since 2012's Finally Rich—and its well-ironed-out song structures." said Pitchfork. HipHopDX argued, "Bang 3 isn’t precisely a return to Finally Rich form as that version of Sosa may be long gone but, it is the closest he’s gotten in his continuing journey of wide-ranging sonic discovery. It isn’t Chief Keef at his best or even his most interesting; it’s Keef at his most pliable." Critics also praised Chief Keef's growth and experimentation with Pitchfork saying, "it's the work of a mature rapper and songwriter, putting the skills he developed over several years spent branching out stylistically to good use". As of January 2017 Bang 3 Sold around 63,000 copies which includes 22,000 copies of streams in the US. HipHopDX weighed in that, "Singing To The Cheese,” eschews normal time in favor of Keef's abstract arrangements without unraveling; moving forward while also moving sideways. It's a reminder of everything Chief Keef has been and everything he can be." Tiny Mix Tapes also added, "Getting dropped from Interscope might be the best thing that ever happened to Chief Keef, or at least the best thing for his music (his recent partnership with FilmOn remains a mysterious business move that hasn't seemed to confine him creatively whatsoever). It’s hard to imagine a major-Keef getting away with the chorus on the massive, self-produced opener “Pee Pee’d”.

On July 3, 2015, "Ain't Missing You", a tribute to Keef's late cousin and fellow Glo Gang member, Big Glo was released. The song featured Jenn Em and the video was released by FilmOnTV.

{{Track listing

| headline = Part 1

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = Laurel Canyon

| note1 =

| writer1 = {{flatlist|

• Keith Cozart
• Darrell Jackson}}

| extra1 = Chopsquad DJ

| length1 = 3:34

| title2 = Cappin

| note2 =

| writer2 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Xavier Dotson

}}

| extra2 = Zaytoven

| length2 = 3:16

| title3 = Unstoppable

| note3 =

| writer3 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Jackson

}}

| extra3 = Chopsquad DJ

| length3 = 3:25

| title4 = Superheroes

| note4 = featuring A$AP Rocky

| writer4 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Rakim Mayers
• Decanter Alexandre

}}

| extra4 = Slam

| length4 = 4:02

| title5 = Singing to the Cheese

| note5 =

| writer5 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart

}}

| extra5 = Chief Keef

| length5 = 3:07

| title6 = Pick One

| note6 =

| writer6 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Don Paschall

}}

| extra6 = DP Beats

| length6 = 3:14

| title7 = New School

| note7 =

| writer7 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Dotson

}}

| extra7 = Zaytoven

| length7 = 3:28

| title8 = Facts

| note8 =

| writer8 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart

}}

| extra8 = {{flatlist|

• Chief Keef

}}

| length8 = 3:47

| title9 = I Just Wanna

| note9 = featuring Mac Miller

| writer9 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Jackson
• Malcolm McCormick}}

| extra9 = {{flatlist|

• Chief Keef
• Chopsquad DJ}}

| length9 = 5:18

| title10 = Yes

| note10 =

| writer10 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Jackson

}}

| extra10 = Chopsquad DJ

| length10 = 3:29

| title11 = Ain't Missing You

| note11 = featuring Jenn Em

| writer11 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Alki David
• Brandon Howard

}}

| extra11 = {{flatlist|

• Alki David
• B Howard}}

| length11 = 3:19

| title12 = Million$

| note12 =

| writer12 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Dotson

}}

| extra12 = Zaytoven

| length12 = 3:03

| title13 = Go Harder

| note13 =

| writer13 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart

}}

| extra13 = {{flatlist|

• Chief Keef

}}

| length13 = 2:57

| title14 = Green Light

| note14 =

| writer14 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart

}}

| extra14 = {{flatlist|

• Chief Keef

}}

| length14 = 3:08

| total_length = 49:21

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Part 2

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = Pee Pee'd

| note1 =

| writer1 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart

}}

| extra1 = Chief Keef

| length1 = 3:38

| title2 = Wit It

| note2 =

| writer2 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Jackson

}}

| extra2 = Chopsquad DJ

| length2 = 4:32

| title3 = Bouncin

| note3 =

| writer3 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Paschall

}}

| extra3 = {{flatlist|

• DP Beats

}}

| length3 = 3:15

| title4 = Charge My Car

| note4 =

| writer4 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Dotson

}}

| extra4 = {{flatlist|

• Zaytoven

}}

| length4 = 3:16

| title5 = Get That Sack

| note5 =

| writer5 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart

}}

| extra5 = Chief Keef

| length5 = 3:30

| title6 = Irri

| note6 = featuring Lil B

| writer6 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Brandon Christopher McCartney
• Willie Jerome Byrd

}}

| extra6 = Will-a-Fool

| length6 = 3:19

| title7 = Racist

| note7 =

| writer7 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Dotson

}}

| extra7 = {{flatlist|

• Zaytoven

}}

| length7 = 4:17

| title8 = Gloin

| note8 =

| writer8 =

| extra8 = Chief Keef

| length8 = 3:11

| title9 = That Night

| note9 =

| writer9 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart

}}

| extra9 = Chief Keef

| length9 = 2:48

| title10 = It's More

| note10 =

| writer10 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Ace Bankz

}}

| extra10 = {{flatlist|

• Ace Bankz

}}

| length10 = 3:33

| title11 = OG Fiji

| note11 =

| writer11 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Dotson

}}

| extra11 = Zaytoven

| length11 = 4:11

| title12 = Tree Tree

| note12 =

| writer12 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart

}}

| extra12 = Chief Keef

| length12 = 3:23

| total_length = 42:53

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = FilmOn "Proof Of Purchase" Bonus Tracks

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = T'd

| note1 =

| writer1 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Paschall

}}

| extra1 = {{hlist|Chief Keef|DP Beats}}

| length1 = 3:14

| title2 = Ignorant

| note2 =

| writer2 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart

}}

| extra2 = Wolves

| length2 = 6:26

| title3 = Told Ya

| note3 =

| writer3 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart

}}

| extra3 = Chief Keef

| length3 = 2:53

| title4 = Off The Tooka

| note4 = featuring Tadoe

| writer4 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart
• Darron Rose

}}

| extra4 = YK808

| length4 = 2:12

| title5 = Real Money

| note5 =

| writer5 = {{flatlist|

• Cozart

}}

| extra5 = Chief Keef

| length5 = 3:14

| total_length = 17:59

}}

Credits for Bang 3 adapted from liner notes in CD case

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}

• Alki David — Executive Producer
• Zaytoven — Producer
• ChopSquad DJ — Producer
• Brandon Howard — Producer
• Slam — Producer
• DP Beats — Producer
• Wolves — Producer
• Will-A-Fool — Producer
• Ace Bankz — Producer
• BillsProductions — Producer
• ASAP Rocky — Featured Artist
• Mac Miller — Featured Artist
• Jenn Em — Featured Artist
• Lil B — Featured Artist
• Tadoe — Featured Artist
• Chris Cheney — Mix Engineer/Engineer
• Nick Fainbarg — Mix Engineer/Engineer
• Brandon Balsz — Mix Engineer/Engineer
• Josh Berg — Mix Engineer
• Slavic Livins — Mix Engineer
• Adam Catania — Engineer
• Frank Ramirez — Engineer
• Andy Rodriguez — Assistant Engineer
• Encore — Recording Studio
• Paramount — Recording Studio
• Ameraycan — Recording Studio
• Costa Mesa Recording Studios — Recording Studio
• Grant Zimmerman — Project Coordinator/A&R
• Lamero Ragsdale — Art Cover/Art Direction
• Chaz L. Morgan — Art Cover/Art Direction
• Frank Torres — Art Cover/Art Direction
• Rovaun Pierre "Uncle Ro" Manuel — Management
• Idris "Peeda Pan" Wahid — Management

{{div col end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

;Part 1

{{col-2}}

;Part 2

{{col-end}}

List of release dates, showing region, formats, label, editions and reference

{{Reflist}}

{{Chief Keef}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2015 albums

Category:Albums produced by Chopsquad DJ

Category:Albums produced by Zaytoven

Category:Chief Keef albums

Category:Sequel albums