Boston rapper Rahim “V Knuckles” Muhammad dies at 46 after fight with brain cancer

Rahim “Knuckles” Muhammad, a Boston‑area rapper known as V Knuckles, has died. According to family, Muhammad passed at home on Sept. 24 after a 16‑month battle with brain cancer.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for Oct. 10, according to family and friends organizing memorial events. Supporters have been raising funds through a verified GoFundMe since May 2025 and are now seeking help with funeral costs and long‑term support for his son, Kaimani, including a 529 education plan.

Muhammad was a longtime member of the underground hip‑hop duo N.B.S. (Natural Born Spitters), a group widely respected across Boston’s rap scene and known for its gritty lyricism and global reach. His death has shaken fans, collaborators and artists who viewed him as a cornerstone of the region’s music community.

Rahim “V Knuckles” Muhammad: A Career Built on Community and Craft

Muhammad’s career spanned more than two decades. He performed alongside his cousin E’Flash as part of N.B.S., a duo celebrated for sharp storytelling, East Coast production and a loyal international following. Their music earned millions of streams and carried them to stages across five continents.

He was known for his signature sandpaper‑grit vocals, a contrast to E’Flash’s smoother delivery. Together, they formed a dynamic partnership that critics compared to foundational duos like Mobb Deep and M.O.P.

Moreover, Muhammad’s influence extended beyond music. He worked in business development, including helping launch a dispensary in Allston before a 2025 car crash led to the discovery of his brain tumor. He documented the experience in his single “MRI,” released in September 2025.

Rahim “V Knuckles” Muhammad’s Fight With Cancer

Muhammad’s diagnosis came after the crash sent him to Massachusetts General Hospital, where doctors found the tumor. He continued creating music and supporting his community while undergoing treatment. His death, nearly one year after releasing “MRI,” devastated friends and relatives who had rallied around him throughout his illness.

Tributes poured in across social media and local outlets, with many describing him as a generous friend, a gifted lyricist and a man who never met a stranger.

According to the fundraiser, “His spirit was shaped by the family that raised him, and it showed in how he loved. Through it all, he spent every moment he could with the people who mattered most: his son Kaimani, his family, and a circle of friends so large it’s hard to measure.”

Family Seeks Support for Funeral Costs and His Son

Family and friends continue raising funds to cover funeral expenses and support Kaimani’s future. Organizers say donations will help establish a 529 education plan and provide stability for his son.

To learn more, visit the verified GoFundMe.