RapFiendRadio

In Loving Memory of James Burress

​There are certain people whose presence is so profound and whose energy is so boundless that you simply cannot fathom the idea of them ever leaving. James Burress was exactly that kind of man. To say he was "larger than life" feels like an understatement. He felt invincible. To his community, he was a pillar; but to me, he was a father.

​A Leader, A Family Man, and a Comedic Force

​Mr. Burress wore many hats, and he wore them all with absolute distinction. As an educator and a principal, he commanded respect and shaped countless lives. As a husband and a father, he was a steadfast foundation for his family.

​But what truly made him one-of-a-kind was his magnetic charisma. He had an unmatched way with words and a sharp, brilliant sense of humor that was genuinely Kings of Comedy worthy. When Mr. Burress spoke, he owned the room. He could dispense profound life lessons in one breath and have you completely doubled over in laughter the next. He brought light, joy, and an undeniable coolness to every space he entered.

​A Beautiful, Heartbreaking Farewell

​Even as he faced his toughest battle with dementia, the core of who he was remained. The story of his final days is one that will stay etched in my heart forever. Through the haze of his battle, he had one clear and persistent request: he just wanted to see Epiphany.

​There are simply no words to adequately describe the weight of what happened next.

​When that request was finally answered and he got to see Epiphany, his soul found its peace. He passed away the very next day. It was as if he was holding on with everything he had, just waiting for that one final, beautiful moment of connection before he could allow himself to rest. The heartbreak of losing him is indescribable, but there is a profound grace in knowing his final wish was fulfilled.

​Rest In Peace

​You taught us so much not just about how to lead and how to carry yourself as a man, but about how to live fully and laugh deeply. The world is a lot quieter without your wit, but your spirit will echo in all of us who were lucky enough to be loved by you.

​Rest in peace, Mr. Burress. You were a father to me, and you will never be forgotten.

Tribute to Shemek Weddle

Shemek Weddle—artist, DJ, professor, and visionary;but titles never fully captured who he was. To me, he was my soul brother. A man whose creativity moved effortlessly between sound, motion, and meaning, and whose spirit lifted everyone fortunate enough to be in his orbit.

As a professor of animation at the University of Memphis, Shemek didn’t just teach technique_he taught possibility. He inspired students to see beyond the frame, to trust their voice, and to create with purpose. His artistry carried the rhythm of a DJ, the precision of an animator, and the heart of a true educator.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Shemek carried his roots with pride while planting seeds of creativity and love wherever he went. Yet beyond his professional brilliance, his greatest masterpiece was his life: an amazing man, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a deeply present human being. His family was his center, his joy, and his legacy.

Shemek leaves behind a beautiful family and a community forever changed by his light. His influence lives on through the art he created, the minds he shaped, the music he shared, and the love he gave so freely. Though he may no longer walk beside us, his spirit continues to move, animate, and resonate.

Rest in power, my brother. Your soul remains woven into our lives, and your creativity echoes on.

​Some people come into your life and become more than just friends; they become blood. Kevin was exactly that to me a true big brother in every sense of the word and a steadfast companion.

​Looking back at all the miles we logged, traveling the country side-by-side, it is the camaraderie and the shared laughs that stand out the most. We weren't just passing through cities; we were moving with a shared purpose.

​When we were out there running drills, organizing practice plans, and building up the next generation of players , we were completely in our element. Training kids was our joint calling. We poured our hearts into teaching them not just the mechanics and fundamentals of the game, but the resilience and character it takes to succeed. Doing that as a team, with Kevin right by my side, made all the hard work feel like an absolute privilege.

​"The true measure of a man is the legacy he leaves in the hearts of others."

Our last time together is a memory that is permanently etched into my soul. Out of everything we had done together, he asked me to train his grandson, and I stepped up and did it with pride. I had no idea that when we parted ways that day, it would be the very last time I would ever see him. Looking back on it now, that request feels like a beautiful, quiet passing of the torch a final profound moment of trust from a brother who knew our shared dedication would live on.

​Rest easy, Kevin. You will be deeply missed, my brother, but never, ever forgotten.

Tribute to Kaz Drumatik

Kaz Drumatik, a legendary producer from Lansing, Michigan, was more than a name in the music world—he was a force. His sound carried weight, originality, and soul, shaping records and influencing artists in ways that will be felt for generations. Kaz didn’t just make beats; he built worlds through rhythm and texture, leaving an unmistakable imprint on the culture.

His life was taken far too soon, and the loss is profound. Lansing lost one of its brightest creative voices, and the music community lost a producer whose talent was matched by his passion and dedication. Kaz’s work spoke for him: raw, powerful, and unapologetically real.

Beyond the studio, he was someone who represented where he came from, carrying his city with pride and giving it a sound that traveled far beyond Michigan. His legacy lives on through the music he created, the artists he elevated, and the inspiration he left behind.

Rest in power, Kaz Drumatik. Your beats still knock, your name still rings, and your spirit lives on in every track, every speaker, and every soul you touched.

Source: WOODTV.com https://share.google/KrQrddVslFRYkcmHb

Christopher “Sterpher” Griffin was a talented 29-year-old hip-hop artist and musician from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Known for his work as part of the O.I.C. / Thorough Bread Ent label, his discography includes mixtapes like Sabali and Overlooked.

STERPHER was an amazing artist. He was hard working and highly dedicated to his craft. His personality was infectious he had the aura of Biggie. He built a relationship with Epiphany & would call him throughout the week until one day it stopped after agreeing to do a show "RAPFIENDRADIO showcase". A few days later we were informed that he passed away in the hospital.

He performed under his stage name and was deeply involved with the local music scene before tragically passing away from COVID-19 complications on August 18, 2021, at the age of 29. RIP STERPHER 💔