Fredo Santana, born Derrick Coleman, was an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He was the older cousin of fellow Chicago rapper Chief Keef, who gained national fame in the early 2010s for his raw and unfiltered portrayal of street life in South Side Chicago. Chief Keef’s rise sparked significant media attention and controversy, with critics expressing concern over the glorification of violence in his lyrics and visuals. While some viewed his style—marked by short, mumbled verses—as lacking lyrical finesse, Keef defended his artistry as a reflection of the harsh realities faced by young Black men in impoverished neighborhoods. The violence in Chicago earned the city the moniker "Chi-raq," referencing conflict zones in Iraq.
Fredo Santana gained visibility partially due to the spotlight on Chief Keef and the growing popularity of Chicago’s drill scene. Capitalizing on the momentum, Santana released his debut album Trappin’ Ain’t Dead in 2013 under his Savage Squad label. His music, like his cousin's, embraced the gritty themes of street survival and drug culture, aligning with the aesthetics of trap music—a subgenre of hip hop known for its heavy beats and depiction of life in drug-trade environments. While drug references have long been part of hip hop, critics raised concerns over modern trap's frequent nods to more harmful substances, including prescription drugs, which could influence younger audiences.
Before adopting the stage name Fredo Santana, he released his first mixtape titled It’s a Scary Site in 2012. The project featured production from names like C-Sick, Leek E Leek, 12Hunna, and Young Chop. His second mixtape, Fredo Kruger, debuted in 2013 and included collaborations with notable artists such as Young Scooter, Soulja Boy, Juelz Santana of Dipset, and Migos—before Migos became household names. These collaborations helped elevate Santana’s reputation in hip hop circles.
Also in 2013, Santana expanded his visibility by making a cameo in Drake’s music video for the hit song “Hold On, We’re Going Home.” Though he didn’t perform musically, Santana played an onscreen antagonist in the video’s narrative storyline, helping to increase exposure for his personal brand outside of music.
Following his early mixtapes, Santana released his debut album Scary Site 2 in late 2013. The album featured high-profile guest appearances from artists such as Kendrick Lamar, PeeWee Longway, and Chief Keef. Securing a feature from Kendrick Lamar—widely regarded as one of the most critically acclaimed rappers of his generation—was a milestone in Santana’s career. Lamar’s later work, including his involvement with the Black Panther original soundtrack, further emphasized his significance in modern hip hop, making the collaboration especially valuable for Santana.
In 2014, Santana announced a joint album with Chief Keef titled Blood Thicker Than Water, an allusion to their familial bond. That year he also released Walking Legend, continuing to develop his signature style that blended elements of horror into his lyrics and image—an emerging trend among some hip hop artists seeking to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
| Birth Date: | 4 Jul, 1990 |
| Age: | 29 yrs |
| Occupations: | Rapper Singer Songwriter |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Chicago |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American rapper |
| Net Worth 2021: | 3 million |
