Speaker Knockerz was a rising star in the rap scene, known for his catchy hooks, self-produced beats, and independent hustle. He had millions of views on YouTube, a loyal fan base, and a promising future. But on March 6, 2014, he was found dead in his garage at his home in Columbia, South Carolina.
He was only 19 years old. What happened to Speaker Knockerz? How did he die? And what legacy did he leave behind? This article will explore these questions and more, as we pay tribute to the young rapper who left us too soon.
Cause of Death
On March 6, 2014, Speaker was found dead in his garage at his home in Columbia, South Carolina. He was discovered by his mother, who had not heard from him for several days. She called the police, who arrived at the scene and confirmed his death. He was pronounced dead at 11:42 a.m.
The cause of death was initially unknown, as there were no signs of foul play, trauma, or drug overdose. His body was taken to the Richland County Coroner’s Office, where an autopsy was performed. The results revealed that Knockerz died of natural causes, specifically a heart attack caused by an undiagnosed heart condition. He had a genetic disorder called myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart muscle that can lead to cardiac arrest.
His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and family, who paid tribute to him on social media and in person. His funeral was held on March 15, 2014, at the First Nazareth Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. Hundreds of people attended the service, which featured a video montage of his life and music, and a performance by his brother, Lil Knock. He was buried at the Greenlawn Memorial Park in Columbia, South Carolina.
His obituary read:
“Speaker, born Derek McAllister Jr., was a talented rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. He was loved by many for his music, his personality, and his generosity. He touched the lives of millions of people with his catchy songs, his inspiring story, and his independent spirit. He was a devoted son, brother, and friend, who always looked out for his family and his fans. He was a rising star, who had a bright future ahead of him. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.”
Speaker Knockerz Obituary
| Name | Speaker Knockerz |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Derek McAllister Jr. |
| Born | November 6, 1994 |
| Died | March 6, 2014 |
| Age at death | 19 |
| Cause of death | Heart attack due to myocarditis |
| Occupation | Rapper, producer, entrepreneur |
| Label | TLZ Entertainment |
| Popular songs | “Lonely”, “Money”, “Rico Story”, “Dap You Up” |
| Influenced by | 50 Cent, Soulja Boy, Gucci Mane |
| Influenced | A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, NBA YoungBoy |
| Wikipedia | Speaker_Knockerz |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Early Life and Career
Knockerz was born Derek McAllister Jr. on November 6, 1994, in New York City. He was the son of Derek McAllister Sr., a former rapper who went by the stage name Dirty Red, and Mesha Wilson, a nurse. He had a younger brother, Christian McAllister, who also raps under the name Lil Knock.
Speaker grew up in a musical environment, as his father taught him how to make beats and record songs at a young age. He also developed a passion for rap music, influenced by artists like 50 Cent, Soulja Boy, and Gucci Mane. He started uploading his songs and videos on YouTube and SoundCloud, gaining attention for his catchy melodies, witty lyrics, and confident delivery.
He moved to South Carolina with his mother and brother in 2010, after his father was incarcerated for drug trafficking. He continued to pursue his rap career, producing his own beats and releasing his own mixtapes. He also sold his beats online, earning thousands of dollars and working with artists like Meek Mill, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, and Chief Keef.
He created his own label, TLZ Entertainment, and signed a distribution deal with Dibyo / CORBAL, an independent company that helped him reach a wider audience. He released several popular songs, such as “Lonely”, “Money”, “Rico Story”, and “Dap You Up”. He also collaborated with other rappers, such as Migos, Young Scooter, and Future.
He was on the verge of breaking into the mainstream, as he had plans to release his debut album, Married to the Money II, and go on a nationwide tour. He had a loyal fan base, who called themselves the “Knockerz Nation”, and a bright future ahead of him.
Legacy and Impact
Speaker left behind a legacy of music, influence, and inspiration. He was one of the pioneers of the “internet rap” genre, which is characterized by self-made artists who use online platforms to distribute their music and build their fan base. He was also one of the first rappers to use the “skit rap” style, which is a storytelling technique that involves creating characters and scenarios in his songs. He was known for his catchy hooks, his self-produced beats, and his independent hustle.
He influenced many rappers who came after him, such as A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, and NBA YoungBoy. He also inspired many aspiring artists, who looked up to him as a role model and a mentor. He showed them that they could achieve their dreams with hard work, dedication, and creativity.
He also had a positive impact on his community, as he donated money and clothes to the homeless, supported local businesses, and mentored young rappers. He was a humble and generous person, who always gave back to his fans and his family.
He was a legend in the making, who left a mark on the rap game and the rap culture. He was a visionary, who had a unique vision and a unique voice. He was a leader, who had a loyal following and a loyal team. He was a star, who had a bright light and a bright smile.
