Gerard Sequan Knighten, 27, KCMO, passed away on November 17, 2016. He was born to Derrick Coppins and Donetta Knighten on June 28th, 1989 in Bronx, New York. He was a bright baby and later became a big brother to his very first best friend, Janise Knighten-Norton. Family and friends said that after she was born, you never saw one of them without the other. In 1993, Gerard was blessed with a second sister, Lanasia Coppins. After awhile, Gerard's family relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana for a few years. As a kid, 'Booda Man' loved music and reading. He wrote his first poem, 'The Loving Rose' at age 9, in dedication to his beloved Grandmother (Mom), Rosa Lee Knighten. Even at this early age, Gerard was courageous and has a strong love for family. He proved that by reciting an original, 'The Loving Rose' at his Grandmother's repast. In the late 90's, Gerard's family moved back to Missouri. As a teen, Gerard enjoyed eating, sitting in front of the TV playing video games all day. He also enjoyed playing football and basketball with childhood friends. In 2006, he became a big brother for the 3rd time to Sincere Moore. G, graduated from Grandview High School in Grandview, Missouri in 2007. After graduation, he focused heavily on his music and working full time in customer service. His first born, Marquis Tae'Vonn Freeman (Robin Freeman) was born in 2009. Gerard loved being a father. In his spare time as a new dad, he liked to play chess, cards, travel, and he definitely liked to shop. His love for writing and rapping became more serious and his career started to take off. Dubbed, 'Gifted', he was featured on numerous songs, did some shows and was a part of cyphers, including KC Cypher Series. In 2012, his second child, Cali Aniece Knighten (Lexus Darnell) was born. During that time he was working full time and getting ready to release his long awaited mixtape, Maintainin'. Once Maintainin' was released, he collabed with other KC creatives to release visuals for his singles; 'Hustlin' and I Got It'. Gifted loved to spend to time with his 'mini me', 'baby girl', family and small circle of friends. He also enjoyed motorcycles (Rippin' the Pavement Motors), all things Chevy, mainly old school cars and the occasional Mercedes Benz. If you knew him, you knew he loved food. On any given day G, would check on his loved ones to see what they were cooking by asking questions like, 'What you got for me?' or 'How long before the food done?' In 2012, he also started KASH ADDICTS with group MGB. Over the last few years, they released merchandise with the KASH ADDICTS logo on Sweatshirts, T-shirts and Dad Caps. They had plans to release Maintainin' II and a special project, 'More Than Music'. In 2013, Gerard sat down briefly. While incarcerated, he began to reconnect to his faith. He spoke on how his budding relationship with God was his motivation to work on a better life once he returned home. After being released in 2015, he talked about mending relationships with people he loved because it was part of his new walk with God. He was a returning visitor at Canaan Worship Center in Kansas City, Mo, where his sister and mother are members. Earlier this year, his third child, Lauryn Nicole Knighten (Kristin Lang) was born. The birth of his last child was also a new turning leaf for him. G, had a new light about himself. He wanted to do better, be better and live better. He was preceded in death by his great grandfather, Nollie Knighten, Sr. and grandmother, Rosa Lee Knighten. He leaves many to be cherished and prayed for: his mother, father, sisters, brothers, children, grandparents (Jerome Thomas, Larry Jackson, Maedella Waxter, and Johnny Waxter), Godparents (Steven and Pat Scantlebury), Brother in Law (Shaun Norton), Aunts and Uncles (Maquita Williams, Walter Williams, Carolyn Rainey-Perry and Jerome Whitley), A special Aunt and Uncle (Nathaniel and Deborah Dawn), First cousins (Keyaraha Knighten, Keyvionia Knighten-Moorehead), Nephew and Niece (Je'Derrion Knighten and JaMylia Norton), Special friends and favs (Brian, Steady, Mia, Dom, Keon, Rashawn, 40, Neil, Ashley, Romie, Dede, Treece, Anya, Tatalalicious, Dookie, Pooh, Terrell, Tino, Talisa, Pooder, D. Wilson, Andy, Aisha, Keisha) and host of other family, friends and associates. Gifted lived his life to the fullest as a great father, son, brother, cousin, rapper and friend. He had a way of putting a smile on everyone's face because his eyes and spirit would light up the room. Gifted will be missed and he will forever in our hearts be a King. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 26, 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Church International. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.