Brian McKnight Archives - New Hip Hop News

Brian McKnight Claims Ex Wife Stopped Him from Helping with Son’s Cancer Battle

April 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

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

R&B singer Brian McKnight stirred up controversy last week after he made comments about his children ‘made out of sin’ and his estranged son’s battle with cancer. Now, McKnight is claiming that his ex-wife, Julie McKnight, prevented him from offering assistance to their son Niko, who is currently battling Stage 4 cancer.

During his weekly Q&A session on Instagram, McKnight responded to a fan suggestion about writing a song for his son, stating, “Six months ago, we found out about this [Niko’s cancer diagnosis]. We called him. We talked to him, we talked to his wife. She told us that she was all alone and handling everything all by herself.”

McKnight, 54, went on to describe how he and his current wife, Leilani Mendoza, took proactive steps to help Niko by seeking out medical specialists and securing treatment facilities. However, McKnight claimed that his efforts were halted by Julie, who allegedly made a hostile phone call demanding him to cease his assistance.

“I can only imagine that if that help came from me, that it would go against the strong narrative that’s being pushed out there about me,” McKnight stated, referring to claims of him being a deadbeat father. “So what are we doing? We’re adhering to her wishes because that’s what she wanted and we’re staying out of it.”

Following McKnight’s statements, Julie provided a statement to Page Six, calling him a liar and accusing him of attempting to manipulate the situation for his own narrative.

The allegations have sparked outrage among fans and critics alike, who have condemned McKnight’s behavior as insensitive, particularly given Niko’s health struggles. Many have expressed disbelief at McKnight’s decision to publicly discuss such sensitive family matters and have called for him to prioritize his son’s well-being over personal disputes.

“So what are we doing?” The 17-time Grammy nominee added, “We’re adhering to her wishes because that’s what she wanted and we’re staying out of it.”

Brian concluded his response by saying he and his wife are “praying” for Niko.

The post Brian McKnight Claims Ex Wife Stopped Him from Helping with Son’s Cancer Battle first appeared on The Source.

The post Brian McKnight Claims Ex Wife Stopped Him from Helping with Son’s Cancer Battle appeared first on The Source.

Brian McKnight’s Son Claps Back at ‘Evil’ Claims: ‘That’s Wild’

April 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Brian McKnight vs. his children is once again heating up. After stating his children are a “product of sin,” McKnight’s son, Niko, threw words back by calling his father “evil.”

Commenting on a post on The Shade Room, Niko stated, “The guy who forged sigs on our names is evil fashoooooooo.”

Additionally, Niko said he was told to clean condoms out of a bathroom at 15 years old to hide them from his lover. You can see the messages below.

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A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

Brian McKnight is not claiming his estranged biological kids. Now, as sad as that is, nothing is super surprising. Sadly, this happens. It’s not right, but it happens. McKnight does not claim his children because he believes they are the “product of sin.” Sin, folks.

This revelation all went down during a recent Q&A session on Instagram, of all places. The famed R&B singer made a response to a fan who came to his defense for his controversial decision to no longer claim his oldest four biological children – Brian Jr., Niko, Briana, and Clyde all because he believes some relatives are “pure evil.” Sheesh.

McKnight, a 17-time Grammy nominee, said in the IG video, “I wanna big up my man right here. He gets it,” McKnight, 54, referring to the fan’s comment. “In order to live a life that you love, you have to get rid of the evil and the negativity — even if that evil and negativity is related [to you].”

Another fan commented on McKnight’s post, writing that he “disowned” his children and has gone “against God.” A lot of religion is being flippantly thrown around in this IG session, especially the R&B crooner.

The singer added, “1. God wasn’t talking about children that are the product of sin which these are 2. I didn’t raise them their mothers did 3. Know the whole story before quoting the Bible 4. Take your inaccurate negativity off my page and try being happy.” Curious. If he did not raise his kids, does he have a reason for this outside of quoting scriptures?

McKnight has been beefing publicly with his four eldest children for years. Just last October, he took flack for chaining his name to become a senior to a newborn, but, um, he was already that to Brian Jr., his eldest son. He also posted, “So proud to introduce our son BRIAN KAINOA MAKOA JR. ,” in a caption with a pic of his infant son’s face. “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.”

McKnight shares the newborn with his wife, Leilani Mendoza went on to say his name was now Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr..

Social media let him have it after that …“Brian McKnight is so wicked,” in a tweet from one naysayer. “He changed his last name to Makoa McKnight so he could name his newborn Brian Makoa McKnight Jr., when he already has a son named Brian McKnight Jr. Idk how much more wicked one can be.”

Another critic added, “I’ve never seen anyone proudly demonstrate how much they hate their children like Brian McKnight.” Another added, “Changing his name to match the new baby when he’s already got a Jr. is next-level cruel. He’s a trash human being for not only doing it but also putting it on display to the world.”

Then McKnight’s eldest son, you know, the first Brian McKnight Jr., reacted to his estranged “father’s” name change. “I’m not ashamed of the name my ancestors had,” he replied. “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.”

What’s wild is that it is unknown why McKnight has seemingly cut all his eldest children out of his life. The rift was first hinted at in 2019 when he called them “entitled.”

He said “I’ve never missed a day of child support,” in an interview with Essence. He must be so proud he paid his court mandated child support. Then he said “I’ve never done anything adverse to my children whatsoever. I’ve always been there. I’ve always been there with advice, whether they took it or not.”

Anyway this is all toxic and unfortunate. Hopefully, his kids, all his children, find peace with the decisions of their father, no matter which ones he claims or doesn’t. SMH.

The post Brian McKnight’s Son Claps Back at ‘Evil’ Claims: ‘That’s Wild’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Brian McKnight’s Son Claps Back at ‘Evil’ Claims: ‘That’s Wild’ appeared first on The Source.

Brian McKnight Doesn’t Claim His Estranged Biological Kids Because They Are a ‘Product of Sin’

April 20, 2024 by newhiphopnews

McKnight shares the newborn with his wife, Leilani Mendoza went on to say his name was now Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr..

What’s wild is that it is unknown why McKnight has seemingly cut all his eldest children out of his life. The rift was first hinted at in 2019 when he called them “entitled.”

Anyway this is all toxic and unfortunate. Hopefully, his kids, all his children, find peace with the decisions of their father, no matter which ones he claims or doesn’t. SMH.

The post Brian McKnight Doesn’t Claim His Estranged Biological Kids Because They Are a ‘Product of Sin’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Brian McKnight Doesn’t Claim His Estranged Biological Kids Because They Are a ‘Product of Sin’ appeared first on The Source.

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

October 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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.

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

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

October 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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.

Thoughts?

The post Brian McKnight Jr. Responds To His Dad’s Announcement Of Legal Name Change first appeared on The Source.

The post Brian McKnight Jr. Responds To His Dad’s Announcement Of Legal Name Change appeared first on The Source.

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

July 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Renowned singer, songwriter, and producer Brian McKnight has been selected to perform the National Anthem at the upcoming 2023 MLS All-Star Game. The pre-match festivities will occur on Wednesday, July 19, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., just before the highly anticipated match between the best players from Major League Soccer and Arsenal FC.

“It’s always an honor to be asked to perform the National Anthem for our country. It’s especially an honor to be able to sing it in our Nation’s Capital,” McKnight said. “I’m looking forward to kicking off this highly anticipated match-up between MLS and Arsenal FC.”

Brian McKnight has achieved remarkable success throughout his illustrious career spanning over 25 years, selling more than 30 million albums worldwide. With a string of chart-topping hits and an impressive 16 Grammy Award nominations, McKnight has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary music.

In 1992, McKnight introduced himself to the world with his eponymous debut album, which soared onto the prestigious Billboard 200 chart. Notably, his music video for “Anytime” received a nomination for Best Male Video at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. McKnight’s exceptional talent has garnered him accolades such as Soul Train Awards, American Music Awards, and the prestigious Billboard Songwriter of The Year award.

Beyond his musical achievements, McKnight has also ventured into other realms of entertainment. He found success in the Broadway production of Chicago and showcased his charismatic presence as a red-carpet host for Extra! TV. With his diverse accomplishments, McKnight has solidified his position as a true icon in the music industry.

Select pregame festivities, including the National Anthem, will be available to watch in more than 100 countries and regions in English, Spanish, and French on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. For a full list of All-Star events, visit mlssoccer.com/all-star.

The post Brian McKnight to Perform National Anthem at 2023 MLS All-Star Game first appeared on The Source.

The post Brian McKnight to Perform National Anthem at 2023 MLS All-Star Game appeared first on The Source.

Brian McKnight’s Ex-Wife Breaks Silence About Singer’s Harsh Comments

May 17, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Over the weekend singer / songwriter Brian McKnight had social media in an uproar when he defended disowning his children from his first marriage. He vowed his true legacy was his infant son with his second wife, Leilani, and her children from a previous relationship. Brian announced in a new interview that he never loved anyone until his new wife and his love songs weren’t about anyone in the past at all. Brian’s first wife, house music singer Julie McKnight recently thanked fans for supporting her through these trying times. In addition Julie has also been sharing excerpts from her upcoming memoir.

Brian’s ex writes:

MY SONS, PRETEENS AT THIS POINT, WERE UNAWARE OF THE THREATS TAT D STARTED TO RECEVE FROM THE WOMAN WHO WERE INVOLVED WITH THEIR FATHER. I WAS BEING HARASSED THROUGH EMAILS AND PHONE CALLS. AT ONE POINT I WAS EVEN BEING FOLLOWED. THE FINAL STRAW CAME WHEN ONE OF HIS ACQUAINTANCES LEFT A VOICEMAIL NAMING MY SON’S SCHOOL, THE GYM WHERE MY OLDEST PLAYED BASKETBALL AND EVEN THE SKATEPARK WHERE MY YOUNGEST PRACTICED. THAT SEALED MY DECISION. THE THOUGHT OF SOMEONE HARMING MY CHILDREN WAS ENOUGH TO SEND ME INTO A BLIND RAGE. I DIDN’T FEEL SAFE WITH THEM VISITING HIS HOME FOR FEAR THAT ONE OF THESE WOMEN WOULD SHOW UP. EVEN WORSE, BE INVITED AND HAVE ACCESS TO MY SONS. SO, I MADE THE DECISION TO MOVE WITH THE BEST INTERESTS OF MY SONS AND MYSELF IN MIND. OF COURSE THERE WERE THOSE WHO ACCUSED ME OF TAKING THE KIDS AWAY FROM THEIR FATHER. THIS WAS THE FURTHEST THING FROM THE TRUTH. THE TIME THAT ME SPENT WITH HIS ACQUAINTANCES AND THEIR CHILDREN WAS HIS DECISION. IF ANYTHING, I ENCOURAGED HIM TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH HIS FAMILY. AT THE END OF THE DAY OTHER PEOPLE’S OPINIONS DIDN’T MATTER THEY WERE NOT LIVING MY LIFE
Watch Brian discuss his former family below.
Thoughts?

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A post shared by Julie McKnight (@itsjuliemcknight)

The post Brian McKnight’s Ex-Wife Breaks Silence About Singer’s Harsh Comments appeared first on The Source.

Brian McKnight Disputes Abandonment Claims

May 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

It’s been a rough couple of weeks for Grammy-winning musician Brian McKnight. It all began when social media users discovered a post from McKnight wishing his adoptive daughter a happy birthday. This reignited a dormant debate about whether McKnight had abandoned his biological children in favor of his new family.

McKnight then settled a lawsuit filed by his daughter Briana which accused the singer of making slanderous comments online about her. In response to all the negativity, McKnight posted pictures of his biological children as a way of “proving” that he hadn’t forgotten about or neglected them. However, the backlash has only continued to grow.

McKnight Defends Against Allegations While His Ex-Wife Throws Shade

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A post shared by Julie McKnight (@itsjuliemcknight)

First came a video from McKnight’s ex-wife, Julie. In the short video posted to Instagram, Julie McKnight thanked the family’s supporters and spoke about the importance of loving your family. The video was met with overwhelming support, with a lot of fans appearing to take Julie’s side. These included comments from some of her children, including Brian McKnight Jr. Apparently, McKnight didn’t take too kindly to this, as he soon uploaded a video of his own, refuting claims that he abandoned his family. The caption read, “To whom it may concern: NO ABANDONMENT, NO MADE UP STORY, NO FALSE STATEMENTS, NO DEFAMATION”.

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“I never abandoned anyone,” he said in the video. “Our estrangement was mutual. But those posts made any roads towards reconciliation and acknowledging them a dead issue. And I changed my will the next day. I’ve spent the last 30-plus years building a recognized, respectable name. And ironically, there are still people out there who are trying to smear my name while still carrying it, hoping to use it for their own benefit. I make absolutely no apologies for naming my infant son Brian. I want him and the world to know that he is the one who is my true legacy. So I’ll be over here continuing to love and protect my wife, and our children, as we continue to love our life.” McKnight also alluded to a longer video on the issue coming to his YouTube in the near future.

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