Families of hundreds of Chicago homicide victims have lauded a video tribute from music star Chief Keef in which every person killed in the city this year to date is named.

Thousands of people affected by the violence in Chicago - set to be crowned the US homicide capital for the third year in a row - have written to the rapper about his emotive tribute to the victims.

Experts predict that the release could have a powerful impact on troubled inner-city youth.

Applauded: Families of hundreds of Chicago homicide victims have lauded a video tribute from music star Chief Keef in which every person killed in the city this year to date is named

Chief Keef, who escaped Chicago gang life when Kanye West first propelled the then-teenager into the Billboard top ten in 2012, is viewed as an idol in battle-scarred districts fighting record crime rates.

'He is a hero in urban communities so this message will score a striking reaction - his call will be heard,' said World Peace Day founder, Jeremy Gilley.

'The message will reach young fans who idolise the artist and might otherwise be tempted on a road to violence.'

Chief Keef is credited with creating drill music, the genre tied to gang-related murders in the UK and US, and the video represents a U-turn for a star previously associated with conflict.

Thankful: Thousands of people affected by the violence in Chicago - set to be crowned the US homicide capital for the third year in a row - have written to the rapper about his emotive tribute to the victims

Experts predict that the release could have a powerful impact on troubled inner-city youth

The tribute, featuring the rapper behind a piano performing a haunting ballad called Chiraq, sees every murder victim named onscreen as the months of the year are counted down.

A preview snippet of the video on the star's Instagram page has been played nearly half a million times since it was posted a few days ago. Relatives have flooded the star with messages:

My nephew's name is in there Marek Brown August 16th... I was shot with him... his uncle but he didn't make it. RIP Marek... love you always Rek. Thank You Chief Keef!!!

Another relative wrote: Chief Keef, thank you so much for this video. You put my brother name in the video and my family is thankful. We lost him to gun violence and haven't been to Chicago since... Hopefully you and other Chicago rappers standing up to violence will stop❤️ #prayforchicago

Thank you: Relatives have flooded the star with messages

The single has been released to raise funds for the Stop the Violence Now campaign which aims to target vulnerable young people. 'When I read comments from people who have lost loved ones it means a great deal to me,' said Chief Keef.

'Relatives seeing the testimony to them in the video will hopefully appreciate that these people are never ever forgotten.' 'Chiraq was written for them, the music is a tribute to the fallen and forgotten in my beloved Chicago.'

'I'd like to thank the Daily Mail online for their support and for spotlighting events in the city over the years, we must never forget what is going on in those streets.'

'He is a hero': Chief Keef, who escaped Chicago gang life when Kanye West first propelled the then-teenager into the Billboard top ten in 2012, is viewed as an idol in battle-scarred districts fighting record crime rates

Chiraq is the name given by locals to reflect the bloodshed in the city, the song was composed by Chief Keef and London-based songwriters Justin Stoneman and Daniel Spiller.

The music is set to be used on the International Day of Peace on September 21st when more than a billion people will join to call for a resolution of conflicts around the world. 'It is a very special song,' said Justin Stoneman.

'The creative process was powerful, it is the honesty in the lead vocal that hit us during the recording. It felt like we were creating a tribute to that could touch the city.'

Chief Keef is credited with creating drill music, the genre tied to gang-related murders in the UK and US, and the video represents a U-turn for a star previously associated with conflict

As part of the Chiraq peace project, Chief Keef has established the Stop the Violence Now campaign with his record label boss Alki David. 'We are proud of the impact we are having,' said the businessman.

'The statistics on violence are terrifying and it is time for people to be honest about what is happening in Chicago and in every city. Music can reach young and vulnerable people.

'Chief's new songs are autobiographical, his life lessons have not come easy but others in similar situations can learn from them. We are deeply touched by the response that the peace campaign is having on families in the city.'

Touching: The tribute, featuring the rapper behind a piano performing a haunting ballad called Chiraq, sees every murder victim named onscreen as the months of the year are counted down



