Speaker Knockerz, born Derek McAllister Jr., was a rising star in the music industry, known for his impressive journey from a humble beginning to becoming a notable figure in hip-hop. His life, unfortunately, came to a tragic end, leaving fans and the industry in shock.
The Journey from Rags to Riches
Born in New York and raised by his mother in South Carolina due to his father’s incarceration, McAllister began making beats on his computer at the age of 16. Within a year, he sold 250 beats to prominent rappers, such as Meek Mill and Gucci Mane. His initial foray into rapping was merely a sales tactic, aimed at promoting his beats. Little did he know that his bars would gain as much attention as his beats.
A Rising Star: The Loneliness of Success
Speaker Knockerz’s music videos, including the 2013 hit “Lonely,” garnered millions of views on YouTube. Despite having 53 videos on his YouTube page and 49 tracks available on iTunes, he never reached his full potential, as major label deals with Atlantic and Universal Republic were cut short by his sudden death.
Speaker Knockerz’s Death Cause
Speaker Knockerz’s life was tragically cut short on March 4th, 2014. His body was discovered by police and his father in his garage, holding his chest next to his Chevy Camaro – a luxury earned through his best-selling success. His mother, Mesha Wilson, had posted on Facebook days before his body was found, expressing concern about his unusual silence. Sadly, the worst fears were confirmed when she later shared the heartbreaking news of his demise.
How Did Speaker Knockerz Die?
The official cause of Speaker Knockerz’s death was determined to be a heart attack, according to Coroner Gary Watts of the Richland County Coroner’s Office. Despite initial shock and speculation, no foul play was suspected, and there were no signs of trauma. However, this revelation raises questions: How could a seemingly healthy 19-year-old succumb to a heart attack?
Rumors suggest that Speaker Knockerz’s cardiac arrest may have been linked to “lean,” a concoction of codeine and soda commonly known as “purple drank.” This mixture, notorious for its addictive and harmful properties, is known to slow heart rate and breathing, potentially leading to severe health consequences.
The Lingering Legacy of Speaker Knockerz
Despite his untimely death, Speaker Knockerz’s influence persists in hip-hop. His posthumous 2014 album, “Married to the Money II,” received acclaim for its production, drawing parallels to memorable pop music.
Critic Alphonse Pierre acknowledged Speaker Knockerz’s unique sound and impact on the genre, describing him as an entity of his own, inspired by the popular culture of the early 2010s.
Speaker Knockerz’s journey from a self-made beat producer to a budding rapper was abruptly halted by his sudden death. The official cause of his demise, a heart attack, raises concerns about the potential role of substances like lean in his untimely passing.
Nevertheless, Speaker Knockerz’s legacy lives on, with his music continuing to resonate with fans and leaving an indelible mark on the hip-hop landscape.
