In Loving Memory
Rahim "V Knuckles" Rashid Muhammad was a man who could not be defined by one title. He was a son, a father, a brother, a cousin, an uncle, a friend, an athlete, an entrepreneur, a competitor, an artist, a lyricist, a storyteller, and to countless people around the world, he was V Knuckles, one half of the internationally respected hip-hop duo N.B.S. (Natural Born Spitters).
But to the people who loved him most, he was simply Rahim, and to many who were fortunate enough to know him personally, he was Uncle Knuckles, Nux or just Knuckles.
Rahim was born on April 7, 1979, to Paula Coar and the late Yusuf Muhammad. His journey began in Roxbury, Massachusetts, where his introduction to music and culture started at Paige Academy through African drumming and dance. That early exposure to rhythm, movement, culture, and expression would become an important foundation for the artist he would eventually become.
From Paige Academy, Rahim attended Tobin Elementary School in West Cambridge, developing the competitive spirit that would follow him throughout his life. Rahim was not only an artist, he was an athlete.
At Concord Academy, he became a standout basketball player. Basketball was a lifelong love and another place where Rahim's personality came alive. He was competitive, confident, fearless, and never afraid of the moment. Later in life, he continued playing in men's leagues, where he helped teams compete for and win championships.
After Concord Academy, Rahim continued his education at Howard University, where he majored in Business. His years at Howard became another defining chapter in his life. It was there that he developed lifelong friendships, expanded his world, and continued pursuing his love of hip-hop. He entered rap battles and contests, sharpening his skills and establishing himself as an MC who could hold his own anywhere.
After graduating from Howard, Rahim returned home to Massachusetts, where he and his cousin Imam "Flash" Bilal-Firmin continued building what would become one of the most important independent hip-hop stories to come out of Boston and Cambridge. Together, they formed N.B.S., Natural Born Spitters. They earned their place through longevity, independence, consistency and lyricism.
His music continued to evolve throughout his life. In 2023, V Knuckles released the next chapter with producer Phoniks, a deeply personal project reflecting a new chapter in his life, including family, fatherhood and love.
Rahim's life also entered one of its most meaningful chapters when he became a father. His son, Kaimani Rahim Piccarreto Firmin, became an important part of his world, and his fiance, Kayla Ann Piccarreto, stood beside him as he embraced family and fatherhood.
Not simply that he was here, but he made his presence felt. Rahim was one of a kind. There will never be another Knuckles. Rest with the ancestors, Rahim, rest with the ancestors, Knuckles. Your voice will continue to travel, your words will continue to live, your music will continue to play, your stories will continue to be told, and your family will continue to carry you forward.
Forever Rahim. Forever Knuckles. Forever In Our Hearts.
Acknowledgments
The family of Rahim "V Knuckles" Rashid Muhammad extends our deepest gratitude to everyone who has shown us love, offered prayers, shared memories, and supported us throughout Rahim's journey and during this difficult time.
To his family, friends, N.B.S. family, music community, basketball family, and everyone who knew him as Rahim, Knuckles, Nux, V Knuckles, or Uncle Knuckles. Thank you for helping us celebrate the incredible life he lived. Your calls, messages, visits, embraces, and memories have brought comfort to our family and reminded us just how deeply Rahim was loved.
Please continue to keep Kaimani, Kayla, his parents, siblings, and our entire family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for loving Rahim. Thank you for remembering Rahim. Thank you for keeping his legacy alive.
WITH LOVE AND GRATITUDE, THE MUHAMMAD, FIRMIN AND EXTENDED FAMILY
