As Renauld Shelton reminisces about his memories of the late Kansas City rapper Kevion Bifford, he cannot help but recall their last encounter before Bifford’s tragic passing at the age of 37 due to a shooting incident.
Bifford was soaring high in his career as 2Gunn Kevi, which led him to receive the prestigious title of the best male rap artist in Kansas City’s People’s Choice Awards.
According to reports, Shelton had visited his uncle’s house just a week or so before Bifford passed away. During his visit, he spent quality time with him and had a great time catching up.
As Shelton reminisced about their shared experiences, he fondly recalled the boat party they attended in honor of rapper FunkMaster Flex’s birthday, as well as their time in New York while Bifford pursued his music career. “We always had a great time,” Shelton reflected.
According to Shelton, they simply had a good time hanging out together. The other person had been in town for a few weeks, attempting to grow their music career and seeking professional representation to take things to the next level.
Prior to his untimely demise, Bifford’s rap career had already begun to take off, presenting numerous opportunities for him to collaborate with notable local artists such as Tech N9ne, Studio B, and Suli4Q.
According to Shelton, Bifford was completely committed to his music career and business ventures following his time in jail after confessing to federal drug and firearm charges. He made the decision to abandon his life on the streets to focus solely on his music. As an artist, Bifford was making great strides and gaining recognition, but unfortunately, tragedy struck, leaving his loved ones and fans heartbroken.
As of now, there have been no arrests made by the police in the ongoing case. However, the investigation is still active and the authorities are diligently looking into the matter.
Shelton expressed his deep sorrow and heartbreak over the tragic incident, stating, “It’s certainly a tragedy and I am devastated by what happened.”
Authentic rap artist
In an interview with Voyage LA Magazine, Bifford revealed that he began his rap career in 2003, rapping with his cousin in his aunt’s basement.
According to Bifford, he specializes in rapping about the streets, the pain and glory, and the reality of it all. He believes that many people can relate to him, not necessarily on a specific topic, but overall. Bifford thinks that anyone who has experienced loss, pain, obstacles, or setbacks can connect with his music.
According to him, the reason for not writing was not to create an artificial feel and sound, but to make his music genuine and real. He aimed to create something that could resonate with his fans and listeners on a personal level.
According to Walter Edwin, also known as “The Popper,” Bifford was far from being a run-of-the-mill rapper.
According to Edwin, “It was a huge loss that we had and someone that I definitely would’ve wanted to see make it” as he described how articulate the person was.
Through his raps, he conveyed his personal experiences, struggles, and accomplishments. He shared his journey of becoming an influencer in Kansas City and breaking free from his past to achieve his goals.
According to Edwin, the lyrical representation of Kansas City by the artist was commendable. He admired the raw and authentic depiction of his neighborhood and other areas of the city, which Edwin compared to that of a front line soldier.
‘Next guy up to have a great impact on music’
According to Shelton, he crossed paths with Bifford when he was just 15 years old. It happened when his uncle brought Bifford to his father’s house to introduce him to a producer in their neighborhood.
Throughout the years, Shelton perceived him as a highly motivated individual with great ambition.
According to him, the individual was striving to move on from his past life, which he successfully accomplished. However, destiny had a different purpose in store for him, and he had to answer the call of God.
According to Shelton, he firmly believed that the next big thing in the music industry, not just in Kansas City but globally, was none other than the person in question.
During his teenage years, Edwin formed a close bond with Bifford and discovered his talent for rapping. Bifford even contributed to some of Edwin’s albums in 2006 and 2007. Following Bifford’s release from prison, they collaborated on a song called “My Life.” Their friendship and shared passion for music brought them together creatively.
Edwin recalled Bifford spitting verses from his old songs dating back to 1998 and 1999 when he used to go by the moniker “Dun-Deala.” Although they only collaborated on one track, Bifford’s earlier work left a lasting impression on Edwin.
According to him, there were times when he would witness the impressive feat of the other person rapping one of his verses from as far back as ’98 or ’99, reciting the entire verse without missing a beat. This left him in awe, wondering how this talented individual could know his verse so well. However, this also served as a motivation for him to keep going, as he felt a sense of pride that someone as talented as his counterpart could carry the torch forward.
Bifford’s rap skills left Edwin in awe as he expressed his admiration. He was pleasantly surprised to know that Bifford was rapping his verses, which also served as an inspiration for him.
Edwin expressed his desire for his father to be remembered as the great father he was, and as a trendsetter and solid individual who represented Kansas City to the fullest. He also emphasized his father’s significance as a face of Kansas City.
According to Shelton, the individual in question served as a source of inspiration for those who wish to turn their lives around and live comfortably while doing so. Shelton expressed that this individual had motivated him to push harder and strive towards achieving his own dreams.
On Friday, Bifford’s funeral services took place. His obituary stated that he is survived by his parents, six siblings, three children, and his partner.