Kecalf Cunningham was born March 28, 1970, as the youngest son of legendary singer Aretha Franklin and road manager Ken Cunningham. His name combines his parents’ names: Ken E. Cunningham and Aretha Louise Franklin. He works as a Christian rapper and songwriter under the stage name “Kpoint.”
Kecalf Cunningham Quick Bio/Wiki
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Kecalf Cunningham |
| Birth Date | March 28, 1970 |
| Age | 54 years (2025) |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Parents | Aretha Franklin, Ken Cunningham |
| Spouse | Kafi Franklin |
| Children | Victoria, Jordan, Grace Franklin (plus 3 private) |
| Profession | Christian rapper, songwriter |
| Stage Name | Kpoint |
Kecalf Early Life and Family Background
Kecalf grew up in Detroit, Michigan during his mother’s peak career years. His father Ken Cunningham served as Aretha’s road manager from 1968 to 1976. Brenda Franklin-Corbett, Aretha’s backup singer, noted that Ken “helped Aretha get it together” and “helped her stop drinking.”
Ken was described as “serious-minded about art and books” and loved various music styles. The household environment exposed Kecalf to constant musical activity and industry professionals. Big Mama, Aretha’s grandmother, helped raise the Franklin children when Aretha toured.
Family Structure and Siblings
Kecalf is the youngest of Aretha Franklin’s four sons. His three older half-brothers are Clarence Franklin (born 1955), Edward Franklin (born 1957), and Teddy Richards (born 1964). Edward Jordan Sr. is the father of both Clarence and Edward.
Clarence Franklin lives under legal guardianship due to mental illness and could not participate in estate proceedings. Aretha’s handwritten will stated that Edward Jordan Sr. “never made any contribution to their welfare, future or past, monetarily, material, spiritual, etc.”
Musical Career and Artistic Development
Kecalf performs as a gospel rapper combining his mother’s gospel roots with hip-hop. His performance style features biblical narratives with old-school beats. Videos often include black and white footage with piano accompaniment.
One example of his theological lyrics: “Through immaculate conception, Gabriel gave Mary God’s directions, unsure of his intentions, she checked with Martha for confirmation, then she and Joseph had them a deep conversation.”The Suggest noted he appeared “dressed poorly and with cheap-sounding recorded tracks,” while Vulture called him “the Shaquille O’Neal of Christian rap.”
Kecalf Cunningham Professional Relationship with Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin initially managed Kecalf’s career and helped him secure record deals. She used her music industry connections to ensure her children could navigate the business successfully. Aretha actively worked to help all her children get “good deals from record labels.”
Kecalf appeared with his mother at a 2008 Radio City Hall concert and a 2017 performance at “Aretha Franklin Way” unveiling in Detroit. These appearances helped establish his credibility in gospel music venues.
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Kecalf Cunningham Personal Life and Marriage
Kecalf married Kafi Franklin and they built a family rooted in musical tradition. The couple maintains connections to Detroit and the Franklin family network. Kecalf describes himself as a devout Christian with faith central to his personal life and musical career.
The Next Generation: Kecalf’s Children
Victoria Franklin (born April 19, 1999) graduated from Howard University and works as a singer-songwriter. She performed “Take Me to the King” at the 2014 BET Honors ceremony. Victoria reflected: “I don’t think I could fully grasp the fact that [my grandmother] was known worldwide. Because to me, she was always grandma.”
Jordan Franklin works as a music producer, releasing singles “Good Intentions” and “Smoke in My Lungs” in 2019. Grace Franklin auditioned for American Idol in February 2022 and has performed with Jennifer Hudson. She received the Spirit of Detroit Award.
Legal Challenges and Personal Struggles
In October 2018, two months after Aretha’s death, Kecalf was arrested for driving under the influence. He served 93 days in jail until February 2019. The timing highlighted personal struggles following his mother’s passing.
Estate Battle and Inheritance Rights
Handwritten wills from 2010 and 2014 created estate disputes after Aretha Franklin’s death. The 2014 will, found under a couch cushion, favored Kecalf with inheritance rights to a Bloomfield Hills mansion valued at $1.1 million in 2018.
In July 2023, a Michigan jury validated the 2014 will. Kecalf responded: “I’m very, very happy. I just wanted my mother’s wishes to be adhered to. We just want to exhale right now. It’s been a long five years for my family, my children.” Sabrina Owens, Aretha’s niece, initially served as estate executor.
Kecalf Cunningham Legacy Protection and Media Disputes
Kecalf criticized unauthorized media productions about his mother. Regarding the “Respect” (2021) biopic, he wrote: “How can you make a movie about a person and not talk to the person’s sons or grandchildren about important information?”
He opposed the “Genius: Aretha“ series, posting: “THE FRANKLIN FAMILY ‘IS NOT’ IN SUPPORT OF THE (ARETHA FRANKLIN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC) ‘GENIUS’ SERIES!!! THIS DEAL WAS PUSHED THROUGH WITHOUT OUR CONSENT!!!”
Financial Aspects and Net Worth
Aretha’s estate was initially estimated at $80 million but later valued at $18 million. The IRS claimed the estate owed over $6.3 million in back taxes from 2012-2018, plus $1.5 million in penalties. At least $3 million in back taxes have been paid according to estate representatives.
The 2014 will required Kecalf and Edward to complete business classes or obtain degrees for certain estate benefits.
Current Status and Ongoing Activities
As of 2025, Kecalf continues working as a gospel rapper and songwriter in the Detroit area. He has recorded collaborative pieces with daughter Victoria Franklin. Kecalf participates in managing aspects of Aretha Franklin’s musical catalog and licensing agreements.
He has appeared at tribute events including the “Evolution of Gospel – A Tribute to Aretha Franklin” at The Kennedy Center in September 2018.
Cultural Impact and Industry Position
Kecalf’s work in Christian rap bridges generational gaps within African American religious music. His approach honors traditional gospel roots while incorporating modern hip-hop production techniques. This blend connects younger audiences with gospel music traditions.
His children’s continued musical involvement suggests the Franklin legacy will extend beyond Aretha’s direct influence.
Public Appearances and Recognition
Kecalf performed at his mother’s funeral at Greater Grace Temple on August 31, 2018. He attended Aretha Franklin’s 72nd birthday celebration at the Ritz Carlton in March 2014. These appearances maintain his visibility within gospel and music communities.
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Kecalf Cunningham Physical Description and Personal Details
Kecalf stands 5’11” (180 cm) tall and weighs approximately 128 pounds (58 kg). He continues residing in the Detroit area where he was raised, maintaining community connections that shaped both his mother’s career and his own artistic development.
Future Outlook and Legacy Continuation
Kecalf balances honoring his mother’s legacy with his own artistic expression as a Christian rapper. His children’s diverse musical pursuits demonstrate the continuing evolution of Franklin family dynamics. Victoria’s academic achievements, Jordan’s production work, and Grace’s performance activities show the family’s commitment to artistic excellence.
Kecalf’s role as both artist and estate guardian positions him to influence how Aretha Franklin’s legacy is preserved for future generations.
Conclusion
Kecalf Cunningham represents the ongoing evolution of the Franklin musical dynasty. His work in Christian rap and estate management ensures Aretha Franklin’s influence reaches new audiences. His story reflects themes of musical inheritance and cultural preservation in American music history.
FAQ’s About Kecalf Cunningham
Q: Who is Kecalf Cunningham?
A: Kecalf Cunningham is Aretha Franklin’s youngest son and a Christian rapper who performs as “Kpoint.”
Q: What does his name mean?
A: His name combines his parents’ names: Ken E. Cunningham and Aretha Louise Franklin.
Q: How many children does he have?
A: Kecalf has six children total, with three publicly known: Victoria, Jordan, and Grace Franklin.
Q: What happened with the estate?
A: A 2014 handwritten will gave Kecalf inheritance rights to Aretha’s Bloomfield Hills mansion after a jury validated it in July 2023.
Q: What music does he make?
A: He creates Christian rap combining biblical narratives with hip-hop beats.
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