Basic Information
| Name | Treon “Tree” Johnson |
|---|---|
| Born | Late 1980s – Early 1990s (likely) |
| Died | February 27, 2014, at age 27 |
| Cause of Death | Tasered by police, complications from injuries |
| Occupation | Bare-knuckle fighter |
| Family | Brother to rapper Denzel Curry, son of Ricky Curry |
Early Life and Background
Rapper Denzel Curry’s older brother was Treon “Tree” Johnson. Treon, born to Ricky Curry in the late 1980s, grew up in Miami and became known for underground bare-knuckle boxing. His backyard fighting got him noticed, especially after the documentary Dawg Fight covered Miami’s nasty street fighting scene. Tree’s involvement in these events was centred on an underground subculture where participants fought for honour and money, but also earned him controversial attention.
Tree was driven to succeed despite difficulties, yet he struggled personally. He was hardly known outside of the underground fighting scene, but his relationship with his younger brother, Denzel, defined him following his untimely death.
Treon’s Death and Impact on Denzel Curry
After being tasered by Miami-Dade police, Treon Johnson died on February 27, 2014. Police investigated claims that Tree beat pets with a metal pipe. Treon was pepper-sprayed, punched, and tasered during their fight. These restraints induced infection and cardiac collapse, which killed him in the hospital.
Treon’s killing was criticised as police brutality, notably by his family. Treon’s death devastated his family and left Denzel Curry, his younger brother, forever changed. For Denzel, Treon’s loss shaped his personal and professional growth. Denzel used his music to address structural injustice, police brutality, and racial inequity after the trauma.
Denzel celebrates his father and Treon in his 2019 song “Ricky” and has referenced his brother’s death in interviews and songs. This music expresses Denzel’s family’s pain and his views on race, violence, and grief.
The Role of Treon in Denzel Curry’s Activism and Music
The death of his brother shaped Denzel Curry’s creativity. After Treon’s death, Denzel spoke out against racial injustices in his community and America. He has frequently spoken out against police violence and institutional oppression in his music.
Denzel’s 2019 single “Ricky” expresses his loss and trauma. He grieves Treon while honouring his father, Ricky Curry, in the song. The song contrasts family love and grief with Black Americans’ ongoing bloodshed and persecution.
Denzel’s worldview and artistic personality were shaped by his brother’s death. He often talks about Treon in interviews, saying that his brother’s death still affects him and drives him to speak out against police violence, racial injustice, and the criminal justice system.
Family Dynamics
Treon’s family relies on his brother Denzel and is private. Other than their father, Ricky Curry, and an unnamed uncle related to rapper Smino, the family has kept a low profile. Denzel’s success has brought their tale to light, and his brother’s advocacy and songs continue to evoke Treon’s tragedy.
Denzel praised his father, Ricky Curry, in songs like “Ricky,” but nothing is known about him or his public life.
Denzel also acknowledged his grandmother’s death around Treon’s. Few facts about Denzel’s extended family are available, although the Curry family has suffered enormous loss, which has affected his worldview and art.
Denzel Curry’s Career and Legacy
Denzel Curry’s career has thrived since 2011’s King Remembered Underground Tape 1991–1995. His distinctive blend of rap and activism resonates worldwide. Denzel’s albums Nostalgic 64 (2013), Imperial (2016), Ta13oo (2018), and Melt My Eyez See Your Future (2022) have garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following.
The 2024 King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2, combines personal observations with social critique, showing his artistic growth. Denzel uses his songs to promote racial equality and social change while honouring his brother.
Table: Denzel Curry’s Career Milestones
| Album | Release Year |
|---|---|
| King Remembered Underground Tape 1991–1995 | 2011 |
| Nostalgic 64 | 2013 |
| Imperial | 2016 |
| Ta13oo | 2018 |
| Zuu | 2019 |
| Melt My Eyez See Your Future | 2022 |
| King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 | 2024 |
Denzel’s public utterances, especially during the George Floyd protests, demonstrate his devotion to activism. He often uses his brother’s death to advocate for social justice and societal reform.
FAQ
Who was Treon “Tree” Johnson?
Rapper Denzel Curry’s older brother was Treon “Tree” Johnson. He died at 27 after being tasered and restrained by police in 2014 while fighting bare-knuckle.
How did Treon Johnson die?
Treon Johnson died on February 27, 2014, after Miami-Dade police tasered him for allegedly hitting pets with a metal pipe. He died in the hospital from sepsis after the incident.
How did Treon’s death affect Denzel Curry?
Treon’s death deeply affected Denzel Curry. It influenced his worldview and inspired his music, which typically concerns police violence and racial injustice. His advocacy and activity revolve around the occurrence.
What is Denzel Curry’s relationship with his father and Treon?
Denzel Curry’s song “Ricky” references his father and brother’s deaths to reflect personal and social issues.
What are Denzel Curry’s career achievements?
Rapper Denzel Curry has done well for himself with his unique style and socially conscious songs. He discusses race and injustice and reveals his personal experiences, including losing his brother.
How has Treon Johnson’s death influenced Denzel Curry’s music?
After Treon’s death, Denzel Curry’s albums focus on loss, racism, and police brutality. His personal suffering has led him to use music to change the world, making his brother’s legacy important.
