Kangol Kid, one of the pioneers of hip-hop and a member of the legendary hip-hop group UTFO, has died yesterday on 18th December. He was 55.
Kangol Kid’s real name is Shaun Shiller Fequiere who passed away after a battle with colon cancer that was first diagnosed in February 2021.
His family said in a statement that Kangol Kid died peacefully on Saturday at a hospital in Manhasset, New York at approximately 3 AM in the morning.
Kangol Kid, a member of the UTFO group died after a battle with cancer
The influential rapper was known for being a member of the old school hip hop group UTFO which stands for Untouchable Force Organization. UTFO group has delivered several hits like “Roxanne, Roxanne”, “Wanna Rock” and “Ya Cold Wanna Be With Me” in the 1980s.
His son T. Shaun Fequiere confirmed his death over the social media platform Instagram writing, “I just wanna hear you again, another hug, another embarrassing kiss.”
Fequiere was born in the year 1966 in Brooklyn, New York. When he was just 17 years old he signed his first record label deal. He was always seen sporting his popular Kangol headwear. Kangol Kid started his career as a breakdancer along with his partner Fred Reeves.
Social media was flooded with tributes pouring in after the news of Kid’s death surfaced.
One user tweeted, “Man! RIP to my hip hop bro, Kangol Kid of UTFO, a true soldier who never wavered in his faith. Thank you for your contribution to hip hop culture w Roxanne, Roxanne & the honor of christening your beautiful daughter, Cia. Your bright smile will forever be missed!”
Kangol Kid was also popular for raising awareness about breast cancer through his charity, the Mama Luke Foundation in joint collaboration with the American Cancer Society. He used to raise money for cancer research by organizing and participating in events across the country.
After he was diagnosed with cancer he started speaking publicly about it and raised awareness among people for regular screening. In 2012, he became the first artist from the rap industry to be honored by the American Cancer Society.
Kevin Powell, Filmmaker, Poet, and Journalist offered his tributes to the late rapper by tweeting, “Rest In Peace to Kangol Kid of U.T.F.O. He was legendary and pioneering rapper for that legendary and pioneering hip-hop group. The crew’s song, “Roxanne, Roxanne,” is a classic that spawned anywhere from 30-100 response records, most famously by Roxanne Shante. KANGOL KID 4EVER”.
Rest In Peace to Kangol Kid of U.T.F.O. He was legendary and pioneering rapper for that legendary and pioneering hip-hop group. The crew’s song, “Roxanne, Roxanne,” is a classic that spawned anywhere from 30-100 response records, most famously by Roxanne Shante. KANGOL KID 4EVER pic.twitter.com/UPcqmRWUiX
— Kevin Powell (@kevin_powell) December 18, 2021
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