💔 Remembering Niko McKnight
The McKnight family is mourning a heartbreaking loss. Niko McKnight—born Nikolas McKnight—has passed away following a quiet but courageous battle with cancer.
His uncle, Claude McKnight, took to social media to confirm the devastating news and honor his late nephew’s life and legacy.
🎤 A Complicated Family Legacy
Niko was the estranged son of two-time GRAMMY-nominated singer Brian McKnight and vocalist Julie McKnight.
In recent years, Niko found himself in the middle of a very public and painful rift with his father, along with his siblings Brian McKnight Jr. and Briana McKnight.
In April 2024, the R&B singer publicly justified his decision to cut ties with his biological children, labeling them “evil and negative” and going so far as to call them “products of sin.”
Related: Brian McKnight Calls His Biological Children ‘Products Of Sin’
Niko, already undergoing chemotherapy at the time, responded in the comments section of The Shade Room, offering raw and emotional pushback:
“I’m evil??? That’s wild. The guy who used to make me clean his used condoms out his bathroom at 15 before Lisa got home is calling me evil. Fashoooooo.”
“The guy who forged sigs on our names is calling us evil fashoooooooo.”
Relate: Brian McKnight’s Son Nikolas McKnight Reacts To His ‘Evil’ Remarks
🧡 Niko McKnight’s Fight
Despite his illness, Niko continued to engage with his followers and family online, revealing the toll cancer treatments had taken on him.
In March 2024, he posted:
“UGH say something nice to me guys please – chemotherapy really sucks honestly truly. All of this sucks really but that’s life. ❤️🔥”
His brother, Brian Jr., responded, “You’re my favorite everything dawg. There’s no one stronger to me.”
Their mother, Julie McKnight, shared, “You. Are. The. Best. Parts. Of. Me. ❤”
In February, Niko shared a clip from his vlog on Instagram and he opened up about being terrified during his cancer battle.
🕊 Claude McKnight’s Heartfelt Tribute
In a deeply emotional video message, Claude McKnight honored Niko’s memory:
“Niko was one of those amazing kids—quirky, curious, and ridiculously talented. An incredible singer, a gifted guitar player, a sharp eye as a photographer… someone you always wanted to be around.”
He spoke gently about the family’s long-standing tension but made it clear that his focus was solely on Niko:
“I’m not here to discuss the family drama… I just want to uplift that young man. We will see him again one day. I love you, Niko. – Uncle Claw”
Watch Claude’s video below.
🙏 Rest In Power, Niko McKnight
As the McKnight family navigates this painful chapter, our hearts are with his mother Julie, his siblings, and the loved ones who stood by him.
Niko’s strength, talent, and spirit won’t be forgotten.
May he finally rest in peace and power.
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