Tag Archives: Brian McKnight

Brian McKnight’s Rebirth as Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr.

Brian McKnight to Perform National Anthem at 2023 MLS All-Star Game

In a move that has taken the music community by surprise, R&B sensation Brian McKnight has recently rebranded himself, adopting a new name after the birth of his son. The artist, who is renowned for his velvety vocals and timeless love songs, now goes by Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr. This transformation signals a new chapter in his life and highlights the significance of heritage and fatherhood within the hip-hop world.

Brian McKnight’s musical journey has spanned decades, producing classics like “Back at One” and “Anytime.” His mellifluous voice has serenaded us through heartaches and love stories. So, why the name change, and what does “Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr.” signify?

First, let’s break down the name. “Kainoa” and “Makoa” are both Hawaiian names, reflecting Brian’s deep connection to his heritage. This shift signals a powerful acknowledgment of his roots, making a statement about the importance of cultural identity. In an era where authenticity and self-expression are pivotal in hip-hop, embracing one’s cultural heritage is both timely and meaningful.

The inclusion of “Sr.” at the end of the name underlines the profound transformation that has taken place in Brian’s life: fatherhood. On July 22, 2023, he welcomed his son into the world, which, by his own admission, has been a deeply transformative experience. As a testament to this life-altering moment, Brian’s decision to adopt the “Sr.” suffix is a heartfelt tribute to the new role he now plays as a father.

This name change may strike some as a bit unexpected, especially coming from a genre more often associated with stage names and pseudonyms. However, it’s crucial to remember that hip-hop has continuously evolved and expanded its horizons. Artists like Jay-Z, Nas, and Kanye West have seamlessly incorporated their personal lives and struggles into their music. Brian McKnight’s name change demonstrates that artists can also embrace their personal identities in the genre, allowing their lives and growth to inform their art.

Moreover, this change challenges the stereotypes and expectations placed upon male artists in the music industry. While the hip-hop world has seen artists like Beyoncé and Cardi B celebrate motherhood, fathers are not often given the same platform to express their experiences and emotions surrounding parenthood. By adding “Sr.” to his name, Brian McKnight not only pays homage to his new role as a father but also broadens the conversation around fatherhood within the music industry.

The hip-hop community’s reaction to this transformation has been diverse. Many fans have applauded his decision, viewing it as a genuine and bold act of self-discovery and self-expression. Brian McKnight’s rebranding is a testament to his commitment to the art form, his heritage, and his family. It’s an act of authenticity that resonates with hip-hop’s ethos of telling real, unfiltered stories.

However, as with any artistic shift, there have been some skeptics. Critics argue that such a name change may confuse his fanbase or alienate those who know him as Brian McKnight. Nonetheless, change is an integral part of art and expression. Artists like Prince, who became “The Artist Formerly Known As Prince,” have shown that rebranding can lead to intriguing and innovative artistic expressions.

In the end, Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr.’s name change is a profound personal statement that elevates the conversation around cultural identity, heritage, and fatherhood in the world of hip-hop. It reflects a broader shift in the genre, allowing artists to be more authentically themselves, both in their music and in their lives. As hip-hop continues to evolve, artists like Brian McKnight are leading the way, proving that embracing one’s true self can inspire and empower the next generation of musicians and fans alike.

The post Brian McKnight’s Rebirth as Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr. first appeared on The Source.

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Brian McKnight Jr. Responds To His Dad’s Announcement Of Legal Name Change

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Singer and estranged father Brian McKnight dropped a new album introducing his new son, Brian Kainoa Makoa Jr. to the world. Brian also revealed that he decided to legally change his name to Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr to “exactly match” his legacy’s. Now his first son –also named Brian McKnight Jr responds to a commenter and explains why he would never change his name.

Brian Sr first wrote on his Instagram:
So proud to introduce our son

🤍BRIAN KAINOA MAKOA JR. 🤍

to the world with the release of my new album lovingly created for him.

JR. because I am also proud to officially announce that I have legally changed my name to exactly match my legacy’s.

My legal name is now
BRIAN KAINOA MAKOA MCKNIGHT SR.

“MCKNIGHTtime LULLABIES” the songs of a father to his namesake available now!

#iloveourlife #babybrian #mylegacy #junior #briankainoamakoaSR #namesake #mcknighttimelullabies #mrandmrsmcknightworldtour23 #knightandlei❤ #father #son #ohana #familyfirst

Then Brian McKnight Jr posted to his story:

@pgh_betty I’m not ashamed of the name my ancestors had. I’ll never change the name my own son now has. We are witnessing an obscene level of self hate, that has reached mental illness status at this point. All we can do is pray for that man, and my new little brother, who we will all welcome with open arms one day, once he realizes who his real family is.
Legacy isn’t in the name. It’s in the character of the people. It will all be quite clear soon, just who’s on the right side of all this, because there’s no escaping what’s coming.

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Thoughts?

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Brian McKnight’s Oldest Son Says He Will Not Not Change His Name: ‘It’s Also My Son’s Name’

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R&B singer Brian McKnight has been in the news a lot lately and not for his music. The ‘Back At One’ Singer recently turned 54 and dedicated his day to his infant son Brian Jr. causing social media to question the McKnight’s first son also named Brian Jr.
Brian’s oldest son responded to fans who suggested he change his name amidst all the family drama.

In a video shared on his Instagram stories, Brian McKnight Jr. shares that he loves his name and his lineage and would never change it. Brian Jr. also said Brian is his son’s name too, and that changing his name would send the wrong message.
Thoughts?

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[WATCH] Brian McKnight Makes No Apologies For ‘Changing Will’ And Claiming New Son As His True Legacy

Celebrity Fight Night XXV Backstage and Audience

Last night, Brian McKnight responded to the “false narrative” that he’s a deadbeat father who shades his black children while doting over his mixed stepchildren.

McKnight was formerly sued by his daughter, Briana, who says he “maliciously defamed” her on social media by claiming she had an affair with her older cousin when she was a minor. The lawsuit was settled out of court in February.

McKnight has 5 children — sons Brian and Niko from his first marriage to college sweetheart Julie McKnight, daughter Briana from a previous relationship, and 2 sons by his current wife, Leilani Malia Mendoza. Their first son died shortly after birth in 2022.

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Despite claims there’s no abandonment issues the singer has gone on a gaslighting streak on Instagram praising his new family and son ho he also named Brian McKnight Jr. although his oldest son bears that name.

“Wait… your oldest is named Brian McKnight Jr, then you turn around and name this one Brian McKnight?… the audacity,” one follower wrote on Instagram.

In response to the criticism, McKnight re-posted images shared by his wife to prove he spends quality time with his Black children.

“Not sure how these posts that have been sitting here this whole time were left out of the false narrative that is trending,” he wrote in the post caption.

“Abandonment? There’s always more to every story. Stay tuned,” he added.
Watch his response below.

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Ladies’ Night R&B Super Jam: Boyz II Men, Keyshia Cole, Brian McKnight & More Kick Off Mother’s Day Weekend

Ladies Night RB Super Jam

Ladies’ Night R&B Super Jam is ready to kick off your Mother Day’s weekend with a return to the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn. R&B stars such as Boyz II Men, Keyshia Cole and Brian Mcknight set to grace to stage with timeless music to sooth the ears of all R&B lovers. The “Heaven Sent” singer recently collaborated with All-Pro, NFL receiver Antonio “AB” Brown for his latest single “Don’t Leave.”

The full lineup includes more R&B heavyweights such as El Debarge, Musiq Soulchild, Dru Hill and Tank, while Big Daddy Kane and Funk Flex will add Hip-Hop to the R&B-filled set.

Last September, Dru Hill united to challenge any R&B group from their era to a VERZUZ. During a recent performance, the “Beauty” crooners paid homage to Jodeci by singing their classic track, “Stay.”

While mothers and motherly figures are praised daily for their heroic and guided nurture, Ladies’ Night R&B Super Jam can be a potential a cherry on top to begin your Mother’s Day festivities.

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Remember When Kobe Bryant Was A Hip-Hop Lyricist? A Look Into His Rap Career

In light of the tragic passing of NBA legend, Kobe Bryant, it is only right to look back at his career as a Hip-Hop artist. Born and raised in Philly, another Hip-Hop capital, despite spending 8 years of his childhood in Italy, Kobe fell in love with the art of rap. It was not a secret either.

As early as 1992, Kobe was a member of a rap group called CHEIZAW. CHEIZAW was formed during Kobe’s days as a student at Lower Merian High School in Philadelphia where he joined a couple of high school buddies to form a megatron Wu-like rap collective. According to Grantland, when Kobe came back to the United States at the age of 14, he was recruited by a young gentleman named Anthony Bannister, who worked at the local community center who Kobe’s father, Joe Bryant, was the fitness director.

The group’s name, CHEIZAW, is an acronym inspired by the Chi Sah gang from the kung fu movie, The Kid With the Golden Arm. Featuring members Broady Boy, Tréoz, Russell Howards, Akia Stone, Jester, and Sai Bey, who were all for the most rap underground battle like rappers, Kobe, a varsity playing freshman was their lyrical poet who brought on the balance.

Words, from the duo Punch and Words, recalled his impression on the late Lakers icon with Grantland when he battled against CHEIZAW saying it was obvious he was inspired by Canibus.

” “You could tell he was influenced by Canibus,” said Words. “Kobe had a quality of lyrics. When he got into the cipher, you didn’t look at him as just Kobe. You looked at him as a dude that could rhyme and if you sleep on him, you could get embarrassed.”

In 1999, just 3 years after Kobe was drafted to the NBA, CHEIZAW was signed to Sony Entertainment by Steve Stoute and Trackmasters and the label actually pushed for Kobe’s solo career. In a recent interview with The Breakfast Club, Stoute talked about his role in burgeoning Kobe’s solo rap career.

“As a rookie, I met him and he wanted to put out an album. He was actually a part of a group and I signed the group over at Columbia. Trackmasters, we signed them. We were just coming off of LL Cool J and Will Smith. We thought we can make this thing work,” said Stoute.

With the Mamba mentality always in motion, Kobe wanted to master the craft of hip-hop’s rap element. According to Stoute, Kobe spent quality time with Nas and Foxy Brown to gain insight.

“He stayed in New York. He spent a lot of time with Nas and Foxy really trying to acclimate himself to what he was going to do as an artist. To learn.”

Kobe was on the verge of releasing his debut album, Visions in 2000. However, due to creative differences, as Kobe preferred to emulate lyrical rap as opposed to the pop star rap the label attempted to lure the basketball phenomenon to pursue. The album ended up being shelved and Bryant was dropped from Sony Entertainment.

However, he did make a couple of memorable tracks along with some huge features. Reigning from his postponed debut was the posse embedded “Thug Poet” featuring Broady Boy, Nas, and 50 Cent and the self-titled “Kobe” featuring Tyra Banks. He also made a tuneful guest feature on the Trackmasters remix of Brian McKnight’s “Hold Me” and also made noise on a remix to Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name.”

One of his most memorable moments in rap is his feature on fellow Lakers baller, Shaquille O’Neal’s Clark Kent produced”3X’s Dope” which is featured on Shaq’s fourth solo album, Respect.

For an elite basketball player, Kobe had a pretty ample career. Hip-hop was a culture he respected and it even influenced his signature Mamba mentality. He admired the revolutionary component of hip-hop, where lyrics were used to combat realistic matters along with the toss of battle. The art of picking and choosing your battles wisely is one thing Kobe and Hip-Hop had in common.

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