Speaker Knockerz, a young and gifted rapper and producer, catapulted to fame through his independent YouTube tracks. He enjoyed a dedicated fan base and was recognized as a leading figure in contemporary rap. Tragically, his promising life was abruptly cut short when he was discovered lifeless at his South Carolina residence on March 6, 2014, at the tender age of 19. Here’s the story of Speaker Knockerz’s untimely demise.
Early Life and Career
Born Derek McAllister Jr. on November 6, 1994, in the Bronx, New York, Speaker Knockerz had music in his blood. His father, Derek McAllister Sr., was a musician who, regrettably, received a 10-year prison sentence during Speaker Knockerz’s childhood. His mother, Mesha Wilson, took the bold step of relocating the family to South Carolina to escape a detrimental environment.
At the age of 13, Speaker Knockerz discovered his passion for hip-hop and started crafting beats using the Fruity Loops software. His first sale, a beat sold to a Miami rapper for $50, marked the beginning of his journey. He wisely invested the earnings in acquiring speakers.
In 2012, he adopted the moniker “Speaker Knockerz” as a vehicle to showcase his production talents. He swiftly gained recognition for producing beats for notable artists such as Gucci Mane, Young Scooter, French Montana, and Shy Glizzy. Concurrently, he launched his own tracks and mixtapes, including “Married to the Money” and “Finesse Father,” which gained considerable traction on YouTube.
Some of his most noteworthy hits encompassed “Money,” “Dap You Up,” “Rico Story,” and “Lonely.” At the time of his untimely demise, his discography featured an impressive 49 tracks available for purchase on iTunes.
Death and Legacy
On March 4, 2014, Speaker Knockerz was last seen departing his residence in a black Camaro. Having lived alone since January of that year, his mother grew increasingly concerned when her attempts to contact him went unanswered for two days. She resorted to Facebook to seek help in locating him. Tragically, on March 6, 2014, Speaker Knockerz was discovered deceased in his garage by his father and uncle. Foul play was ruled out by the Richland County Coroner’s office, and there were no visible signs of physical harm. Subsequently, his cause of death was determined to be a heart attack, stemming from an undetected enlarged heart attributed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a hereditary heart muscle condition.
Speaker Knockerz’s passing sent shockwaves through his fan base and the music community. Numerous individuals paid homage to him through social media posts and incorporated tributes into their own songs. In an eerie twist, his music continued to accumulate views and streams even after his demise.
His posthumous mixtape, “Married to the Money II,” was released in September 2014. His influence endured, with artists like Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, Denzel Curry, and others citing him as a source of inspiration.
Speaker Knockerz, a remarkably gifted artist, left behind a musical legacy that stirred the souls of many. Although his time was cut short, his spirit lives on through the power of his compositions.
Conclusion
Speaker Knockerz met his untimely demise on March 6, 2014, succumbing to a heart attack brought on by an undetected enlarged heart, a result of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). He was a youthful and talented rapper and producer who soared to prominence through his independent YouTube tracks.
His devoted fan base recognized him as a trailblazer in the modern rap landscape. Even in death, his music continues to captivate and influence listeners, solidifying his status as one of the pioneers of the melodic trap genre.