Kniko Howard, the son of reality TV star and fashion entrepreneur Draya Michele, has piqued public interest over the years. While Draya has spent much of her life in the limelight, first rising to fame on Basketball Wives LA, she has kept Kniko relatively private, sheltering him from the intense media scrutiny.
However, that hasn’t stopped fans and followers from wanting to know more about her firstborn son. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Kniko Howard, from his early life to his relationship with his famous mother and the mystery surrounding his father.
Early Life: A Star Before the Spotlight
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Kniko Howard was born in 2002 when Draya Michele was just 17 years old. At that time, Draya wasn’t the celebrity we know today. She was a young woman from Reading, Pennsylvania, trying to navigate life as a teenage mother. In her own words, Draya has shared that she faced a lot of struggles raising Kniko and working tirelessly to provide for him.
Before her reality TV fame, she worked in nightclubs to support her son and ensure he had a good life. Despite these challenges, Draya has always made it clear that she never regretted having Kniko. He was her motivation to succeed and, in many ways, why she worked so hard to build her career.
Throughout his childhood, Kniko was primarily kept out of the public eye. Draya has always fiercely protected her son, choosing to shield him from the media as much as possible. This decision was likely driven by her desire to give him a normal upbringing, away from the pressures and complications of having a celebrity parent. Kniko lived a relatively private life in the early years, even as his mother’s fame grew.
The Mystery of Kniko’s Father
For a long time, one of the biggest questions surrounding Kniko Howard was the identity of his father. Draya Michele kept this information private for years, leading to intense speculation and rumors. One of the most persistent rumors was that Kniko’s father was former NBA player Gilbert Arenas. This rumor persisted for years despite Draya’s reluctance to confirm or deny it. Eventually, in 2016, Draya addressed the speculation in a candid social media post.
In her post, Draya revealed that Kniko’s father was not Gilbert Arenas or any other celebrity. Instead, Kniko’s father is a man named Kniko Howard Sr., a barber from Pennsylvania. Draya explained that she became pregnant with Kniko when she was just 17, and his father was incarcerated for much of her pregnancy. This revelation finally put to rest years of rumors and speculation. Draya also made it clear that she has never received child support from Kniko Sr. and that she raised her son mainly on her own, with help from her mother.
This candid revelation was significant for Draya, as she had long been silent about Kniko’s father. By finally addressing the issue, she could set the record straight and shut down the false narratives circulating for years.
Growing Up with a Celebrity Mom
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While Kniko Howard may have been kept out of the spotlight during his early years, it became harder to maintain his privacy as he grew older. By the time Draya Michele became a household name, thanks to her appearance on Basketball Wives LA, Kniko was already a young child. Draya’s rise to fame meant that Kniko was thrust into the public eye, whether he wanted to be or not.
However, despite the increased attention, Draya continued to protect Kniko as much as possible. She has spoken openly about the challenges of raising a child in the public eye, particularly regarding the criticism that often accompanies fame. In 2019, Draya faced backlash after commenting on social media lightheartedly about being tired of helping Kniko with his homework.
Some people took this as a sign that Draya was not a good mother, while others defended her, noting that every parent has moments of frustration. Draya later addressed the controversy, explaining that she was simply joking and that, like all parents, she sometimes gets overwhelmed.
Despite the occasional controversy, it’s clear that Draya is deeply committed to her son. She often shares photos and videos of Kniko on her social media, showing their close bond. As a single mother for much of Kniko’s life, Draya has worked hard to ensure he has everything he needs.
Kniko’s Education and Future
Kniko Howard is in his early 20s and has largely stayed out of the public eye. While Draya occasionally shares glimpses of her son on social media, Kniko has not followed in his mother’s footsteps regarding seeking fame. Instead, he seems to focus on his education and building a life outside of the spotlight.
In 2020, Draya proudly announced that Kniko had graduated from high school, sharing photos of the milestone on her Instagram. It was a proud moment for her as a mother, and fans congratulated Kniko on his achievement. Since then, there hasn’t been much public information about Kniko’s plans for the future, but it’s clear that Draya supports whatever the path he chooses
It’s also worth noting that while Kniko has grown up with a celebrity mom, he seems to have had a relatively normal upbringing. Draya has often spoken about the importance of hard work and responsibility, values that she has undoubtedly passed on to her son. Whether Kniko chooses to pursue a career in the entertainment industry or something entirely different, it’s clear that he has a strong foundation tupon which to build
Kniko’s Relationship with His Siblings
Kniko Howard is not Draya Michele’s only child. In 2016, Draya gave birth to her second son, Jru Scandrick, whom she shares with former NFL player Orlando Scandrick. While Draya and Orlando are no longer together, they continue co-parenting Jru. Despite the age gap between Kniko and Jru, the two brothers seem to have a close bond.
Draya has shared photos and videos of Kniko spending time with his younger brother, showing their loving relationship. As the older brother, Kniko has likely taken on a protective role, helping to guide Jru as he grows up. It’s heartwarming to see the two brothers interact, and it’s clear that family is important to both of them.
Conclusion: Kniko Howard’s Life Outside the Spotlight
While much of the public’s attention has been focused on Draya Michele, Kniko Howard has managed to maintain a relatively low profile. Despite growing up with a famous mother and being the subject of rumors and speculation, Kniko has largely stayed out of the public eye and seems to be focusing on his own path.
Draya’s decision to keep Kniko’s life private for much of his childhood has undoubtedly helped him lead a more normal life away from the pressures of fame. As he continues to grow and make his way in the world, it will be interesting to see what path Kniko chooses to take.
For now, Kniko Howard remains a bit of a mystery. While fans of Draya Michele may be curious about her son’s life, it’s clear that Kniko values his privacy and prefers to stay out of the spotlight. And in a world where fame can often be overwhelming, that choice deserves respect. After all, not everyone who grows up with a famous parent wants to follow in their footsteps. Some, like Kniko, prefer to forge their own path, away from the cameras and the flashing lights.
