Niko McKnight, the estranged son of renowned R&B singer Brian McKnight, has passed away following a private two-year battle with cancer.
He was remembered by his uncle Claude McKnight, founding member of the Grammy-winning group Take 6, in an emotional tribute shared on TikTok.
“This morning I found out that my nephew, Niko McKnight, passed away,” Claude said in the video. “He’d been bravely battling cancer for the past two years or so. Niko was one of those amazing kids—quirky, curious, and ridiculously talented.”
Known for his artistic gifts, Niko was a singer, guitarist, and photographer who touched many with his creativity. Despite a strained relationship with his father, he remained close with other family members. His uncle described him as someone people naturally gravitated toward, highlighting his musical and visual artistry.
Niko’s passing has reignited public discussion about his complex family history. Brian McKnight has been criticized in recent years for distancing himself from his older children, including Niko. In 2024, controversy resurfaced when Brian referred to Niko and his siblings as “products of sin” in a now-deleted post, further deepening the estrangement.
As tributes pour in from friends and relatives, Niko is being remembered not for the controversy, but for the joy, talent, and light he brought into the world. His creative legacy lives on through his art and the memories he leaves behind.
May he rest in peace.
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