Kangol Kid

Shaun Shiller Fequiere (August 10, 1966 – December 18, 2021), known by his stage name Kangol Kid, was an American hip hop producer, songwriter, break dancer, and emcee. Kangol is best known as a member of the old school hip hop group UTFO.[1]

Kangol Kid
Birth nameShaun Shiller Fequiere
Born(1966-08-10)August 10, 1966
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedDecember 18, 2021(2021-12-18) (aged 55)
Manhasset, New York, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Years active1983–2021
LabelsSelect Records
Jive Records

Kangol Kid was the first hip-hop artist to endorse a product through his official sponsorship with Kangol headwear.[2][3][4][5][6] His signature hat has been inducted into the Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.[7]

Kangol Kid is considered to be one of the "pioneers of hip-hop".[8]

Early years

Fequiere was born in Brooklyn, New York to Haitian parents.[4] Fequiere shied away from his Haitian heritage growing up.[9]

He acquired his nickname, The Kangol Kid, from neighborhood friends during the early 1980s, because of the many Kangol hats he owned and wore. He was also officially sponsored by Kangol Headwear, Inc.

He was signed to his first record label deal at age 17, without having had his own legal representation at the time.[10]

UTFO member

Kangol Kid was originally a breakdancer along with his dance partner, Doctor Ice. In 1984, UTFO became one of the most popular rap and breakdance acts in the country on the strength of their breakout single, "Roxanne, Roxanne".

During the mid-1980s, as "Roxanne, Roxanne" gained popularity and chart position, UTFO was voted best rap group, at the 1988 Urban Music Awards, had featured spots on Don Cornelius' Soul Train, The Phil Donahue Show, and performed live for actors such as Dustin Hoffman, and Tony Danza. UTFO was the first rap group to perform at Harlem's Apollo Theater as they opened for Hall & Oates and the Temptations' Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin.

In 1987, UTFO released their highest-charting album, Lethal, featuring the rock group Anthrax on the title track.

Production, management, and songwriting

In 1985, Fequiere wrote and composed "Private Property" on the Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force album.[11]

Later that year, he managed and produced the rap group, Whistle.[12]

Fequiere worked as a producer, composer, performer, artist manager, and songwriter. He was the President of music production company, Kangol's Kreations, Inc., and CEO of his Public Relations firm, Kreative Media Group.[8] Fequiere lectured at high schools and colleges nationwide on the business of music.[13]

In 2012, Fequiere became the first rapper to be honored by the American Cancer Society.[14]

Personal life and death

Fequiere was an advocate and fundraiser for breast cancer research through the Mama Luke Foundation in collaboration with the American Cancer Society. He organized and participated in events throughout the country to raise money for research to fight breast cancer. Fequiere was also a proud father of 4, including 3 sons (T. Shaun, AJ, and Giovanni) and 1 daughter (Amancia) (https://www.instagram.com/p/CVxi4hFL-Sd/

On December 18, 2021, Fequiere died from colon cancer at the age of 55, at a hospital in Manhasset, New York.[15]

References
  1. Kellman, Andy. "Biography: The Kangol Kid". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 July 2010.
  2. Sanders, Brandee, ed. (14 February 2014). "Learn the Business Behind Hip Hop". Atlantic Daily World. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  3. "Hip hop fashions". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  4. Kangol Kid (2017). Kangol Kid Talks About Being Haitian and more. USA: AllHipHopTV. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2017 – via YouTube.
  5. Lover, Ed, ed. (14 September 2016). "Kangol Kid on How A Lawsuit Turned into Hip Hop's First Product-Endorsement [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]". Ed Lover Show. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  6. "Kangol Kid / UTFO / Hip Hop Legend". Dance Mogul. 19 June 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  7. "Kangol hat worn by The Kangol Kid | Collections Search Center, Smithsonian Institution". Collections.si.edu. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  8. Oxford, Bill (ed.). "Kangol Kid: A Trailblazing Hip Hop Pioneer from the U.T.F.O. Crew". XS10. pp. 12–14. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  9. Iton, Richard, ed. (2010). Politics and Popular Culture in the Post-Civil Rights Era. Oxford University Press. p. 394. ISBN 9780199733606. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  10. "Yo Kangol!: INDUSTRY ADVISOR". All HipHop. 1 September 2008. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  11. "Private Life / Shadows". Therecordroom.com. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  12. Leland, John, ed. (September 1986). "And The Cradle Will Rock". SPIN. p. 12. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  13. Kangol Kid "U.T.F.O.’s Kangol Kid on Being a Haitian in America" HBCU Alumni website
  14. "Kangol Kid of U.T.F.O. Becomes First Rap Artist to be Honored by the American Cancer Society". VIBE. 15 June 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  15. Caramanica, Jon (18 December 2021). "Kangol Kid, Early Rapper Who Sought 'Roxanne,' Dies at 55". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
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