Curshawn ‘LaKaz’ Terrell, 40, death sends shockwaves through Lansing

Many flooded social media with tributes to Curshawn “LaKaz Drumatik” Terrell, 40, who died as a result of a New Year’s Eve shooting in Lansing Township.

The news of Terrell’s death surprised many as those close to him called him a pillar to the community.

“For him to be taken, I’m so angry and it makes me cold because he didn’t deserve that,” said friend Quinton “Black Hefner” Kittles. “He was taken from his daughter, family and to take someone like that, then who are we?”

Terrell died at Sparrow Hospital after someone shot him at 51 Sessions recording studio behind the People’s Kitchen in Lansing Township on Dec. 31. He is survived by his twin sister Crystal, daughter Amarise and mom Rochelle, according to his obituary.

Lansing Township Police have arrested a Saginaw man in connection with the shooting. Shaquille Brown, 29, the other victim in the shooting, is still in critical condition, according to police.

Kittles said he met Terrell in Flint about 11 years ago when his former group performed in a music contest.

“I feel like they took my brother, my therapist,” he said. “You don’t just go somewhere else. He’s not someone you can go and replace and continue where you left off. It’s not just the music. He was a friend, family and comfort. He was a very understanding guy.”

Quinton

Kittles said that Terrell had started teaching Lansing youth how to produce their own music. He spread his knowledge of music to others and even offered Kittles free studio time when Kittles was diagnosed with lymphoma a few years back.

Kittles recalled the only time and reason he’d drive an hour from Mt. Pleasant to Lansing is to record in Terrell’s studio. He’s been offered to use other studios nearby, but said he didn’t feel the same connection he had with Terrell.

“It wasn’t just the music. Kaz was a great being,” Kittles said. “He checked up on your family. He always asked about the people around him. I had a cousin who stopped taking me to the studio after I got on my feet and he hadn’t seen him in years and asked about him. It’s the fact that he remembers and cares about people.”

It’s why Kittles is so angry over the shooting and hoped Terrell’s family receives justice.

“If someone like that could be taken, who else? It just goes to show that anything can happen and no one is exempt. It’s very scary.”

Mourners for Curshawn Terrell, pour alcholic beverages over the start of a remembrance memorial outside of his redording studio 51 sessions, after the planned balloon release was canceled Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. Terrell, also known as Kaz Drumatic, was shot and killed on New Year's Eve.

Friend Jeff Deehan met Terrell eight years ago after Deehan purchased the 2722 Michigan Ave. building. People would call the building Hip Hop Switzerland, Deehan said, as Terrell opened his studio up for various artists to not only record but receive therapy.

Tenants at the building are working on a mural for Terrell, Deehan said.

Terrell’s form of advice didn’t come via what he said to people despite his quips of wisdom, Deehan said. Terrell helped people by being an active listener to what people had going on.

“I cannot tell you how many people he’s helped in various ways when they’ve been down on their luck,” Deehan said. “Whether it’s to be there as a mentor, provide advice — he was always a shoulder they could lean on. He’s always ready to listen to anyone’s problem and help them through it and provide a service sometimes at no cost.”

Terrell is best described as the glue that held things together, Deehan said. He and Kittles hope people remember Terrell for his genuineness and love for his family.

“He need a memorial. The city needs to have a Kaz day because he meant that much,” Kittles said. “I’ve searched Facebook and seen what he’s done for people. He’s done so much for so many. He needs his own day because he’s done so much for the city.”

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Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at 517-267-1344 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @KrystalRNurse.

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