The city is mourning the loss of Keontae McKinnon, the 6-year-old boy who became known to many as “NBA Tae.” Keontae, whose final wish to collaborate with rapper NBA YoungBoy captured hearts across the nation, passed away on Sunday, September 21, after a courageous battle with terminal cancer.
His death was confirmed by San Antonio rapper/creator and community organizer Kingkylelee in an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday.
💔 “My 6yr old little brother Keontae lost his battle to cancer yesterday. He fought until his last breath. The doctors said he wouldn’t make it to see his 6th Birthday on Sept. 6th but Keontae proved them wrong. I’m so proud of you Tae. You inspired so many people & you lived out your dreams,” he wrote.
Keontae had been fighting stage 4 Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive muscle cancer, since September 2023. Just days before his fifth birthday, doctors diagnosed him with the disease, which had already spread to his brain, spine, and prostate. One tumor pressing against his optic nerve left him blind, but it never broke his spirit.
Despite enduring 48 weeks of chemotherapy and multiple rounds of radiation, the cancer returned in May 2025, spreading to his lungs, bones, and spine. His mother, Mariah Todd, documented their journey online, sharing his triumphs and struggles with a growing community of supporters.
Even in the hospital, Keontae remained active, celebrating small victories such as scoring a symbolic touchdown during a hospital game—a moment covered by local television. Over the next two years, he underwent intensive treatment but continued to inspire others with his optimism and love for music.
In his final months, Keontae’s story gained widespread attention on social media. Supporters and local organizations rallied to fulfill his wishes. In August 2025, members of the anti-bullying organization Anti Bully Gang, led by King Kyle Lee, arranged for Keontae to ride in a Lamborghini—his favorite car—a “final wish” granted just weeks before his passing, according to News4 San Antonio.
Another wish centered on Keontae’s passion for rap music. A devoted fan of YoungBoy Never Broke Again (NBA YoungBoy), he adopted the stage name “NBA Tae” and dreamed of recording a song. Videos posted online showed him rapping from his hospital room. Family and fans shared that YoungBoy, moved by Keontae’s story, phoned him directly, praised his rap name, and contributed a supportive message to a track titled Keontae’s Final Wish.
While there is no independent confirmation of an in-person meeting, the song circulated widely on YouTube, TikTok, and fan pages, cementing his legacy as a young artist who lived out his dream.
Released in August 2025, Keontae’s Final Wish featured NBA YoungBoy over the instrumental of The Notorious B.I.G.’s Victory. Keontae rapped about family love and perseverance: “Mommy working hard, Daddy right by my side. My brother got my back like a warrior drive.” The collaboration went viral, turning the young rapper into an online sensation.
Following his passing, tributes were poured under the hashtag #RIPNBAtae. Fans of both YoungBoy and Keontae shared his story, while San Antonio residents posted condolences and memories.
King Kyle Lee closed his tribute with a message for their late sister Tiffany: “Tell our sister Tiffany hello for me 💔.”
Keontae’s mother’s GoFundMe campaign drew donations and messages of support from around the world. “It gave me peace of mind knowing we weren’t alone in this fight,” Todd said.
Though his life was tragically short, Keontae’s courage and infectious energy touched thousands. His story spread far beyond San Antonio, with supporters across social media honoring his determination and love for music.
“He wanted to be a rapper and meet his idol. He got to do both,” one family friend wrote online.
Keontae McKinnon leaves a legacy of strength, joy, and community in the face of adversity. His voice, immortalized in music, and his story of perseverance will continue to inspire long after his passing.
