Speaker Knockerz Death: Rapper Remembered Fondly at Funeral

Speaker Knockerz, who reportedly died recently, is seen in his video ‘Dap You Up.’ YouTube/Screenshot

Speaker Knockerz, the South Carolina-based rapper who died more than a week ago, was remembered by family and friends over the weekend.

Born Derek McAllister, Speaker Knockerz had a following on YouTube, generating hundreds of thousands to millions of views for his music videos.

The 19-year-old unsigned artist was found dead in his Columbia home, according to reports.

His parents, Mesha Wilson and Derek McAllister Sr. released a statement about their son’s death.

“The love and respect shown by his awesome fans and supporters, industry icons, publications and websites are humbling to us,” the statement reads. “We take comfort in knowing Derek’s hard work and dedication brought him so much joy and connected him to millions throughout the country and around the world. We also find great joy in knowing how far, wide and deep his efforts resonated throughout the music industry.”

WIS-TV reported that funeral services were held for him.

“This guy was doing it in a way that just changed and grabbed the rest of the world and it was cut short,” DJ Prince Ice told the station.

He added: “We mourn that, our hearts go out to his family and to his fans because you were seeing it just grow and it was about to become this. It was already this phenomenal thing happening with him but it was about to completely to a higher level.”

The coroner in the case said that there was no foul play involved in his death and no trauma. A toxicology report is still pending.

Of his music, friend Stacey Rose told The State newspaper: “It was a catchy sound. It wasn’t so thug and street. You could have fun with it.”

His mother said that he started making music when he was 13. His beats were in demand by 2 Chainz and Gucci Mane.

Friend Brianna Barnes said of the rapper, “Before the money came he was a humble clown. After the money came he was a humble clown.”

After his death, a large number of people offered their condolences to his family via Twitter and Facebook.