Speaker Knockerz, born Derek McAllister, was a talented young hip hop artist hailing from South Carolina. He gained significant fame on YouTube, particularly through his 'Rico Story' trilogy, showcasing his unique rap style and storytelling prowess. Tragically, on March 6, 2014, after being missing for three days, Speaker Knockerz was found unresponsive in his garage and was declared dead at the age of 19.
Rico Story Trilogy
Speaker Knockerz earned widespread recognition for his 'Rico Story' trilogy, a fictional narrative following the life of a criminal named Rico. This series has garnered millions of views on YouTube, significantly contributing to Speaker Knockerz's rise to fame. The trilogy is often compared to Meek Mill's 'Tony Story', although unlike 'Rico Story', 'Tony Story' is based on true events.
Rico Story Part 1
The first part of the trilogy introduces Rico, who, after losing his job and being evicted from his home, decides to rob a bank. Unbeknownst to him, his accomplice, who is also his child's mother, is an undercover cop who betrays him. In prison, Rico befriends Pedro, who helps him enter the drug trade. Once released, Rico becomes a rising drug dealer. As the episode concludes, Rico is pulled over by his former partner and ends up killing her.
Rico Story Part 2
In the second installment, Pedro advises Rico to flee to Brazil to escape the authorities, as he is now wanted for killing a cop. During his journey, Rico meets Nikki, a fellow drug dealer. They travel together to a trap house, which turns out to be a police ambush. Rico narrowly escapes and returns to Pedro, who mistakenly believes Rico is working with the Feds. The episode ends with Pedro shooting Rico in the head.
Rico Story Part 3
The final chapter begins with a news report on Brazil's rising violence, highlighting Rico's critical yet stable condition after surviving the gunshot. Pedro, realizing his mistake, regrets shooting Rico. As Rico recovers, he is informed that he will be taken to jail instead of home, facing a death sentence for his crimes. While being transported, the bus is attacked, leading to a chaotic shootout involving Pedro, Nikki, and SWAT teams. The story concludes ambiguously with all three main characters shot, leaving their fates uncertain.
Speaker Knockerz Dead
On March 6, 2014, Speaker Knockerz was discovered dead in his garage, with no signs of trauma suggesting foul play. His death was attributed to a heart attack, though toxicology reports were pending to determine if substances were involved. His untimely passing at 19 shocked fans worldwide. The Speaker Knockerz brand was entrusted to his lifelong friend, SosaBaby (Alex Sosa), who has since released popular tracks like "Freak Hoe" and "What They Gonna Do". SosaBaby, along with artists Mook and Lil Knock, signed a three-year contract with Taliban Entertainment valued at approximately $100,000 and released an album, 'Flight Delayed'. The brand's projected net worth ranges between $250,000 and $400,000.
Following Speaker Knockerz's death, numerous friends, family members, and fellow artists expressed their condolences on social media. Chicago drill rapper P Rico tweeted his respects, while Fredo Santana shared memories on Instagram, highlighting the impact Speaker Knockerz had on the hip hop community.