Kangol Kid
Kangol Kid | |
---|---|
Birth name | Shaun Shiller Fequiere |
Born | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. | August 10, 1966
Died | December 18, 2021 Manhasset, New York, U.S. | (aged 55)
Genres | Hip hop |
Years active | 1983–2021 |
Labels | Select Records Jive Records |
Shaun Shiller Fequiere (August 10, 1966 – December 18, 2021), known by his stage name Kangol Kid, was an American
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.[citation needed] He was also officially sponsored by Kangol Headwear, Inc.[citation needed]
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
During the mid-1980s, as "Roxanne, Roxanne" gained popularity and chart position, UTFO was voted best rap group, at the 1988
]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
On December 18, 2021, Fequiere died from
References
- ^ Kellman, Andy. "Biography: The Kangol Kid". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 July 2010.
- ^ Sanders, Brandee, ed. (14 February 2014). "Learn the Business Behind Hip Hop". Atlantic Daily World. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
- ^ "Hip hop fashions". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Kangol Kid / UTFO / Hip Hop Legend". Dance Mogul. 19 June 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
- ^ "Kangol hat worn by The Kangol Kid | Collections Search Center, Smithsonian Institution". Collections.si.edu. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ a b 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.
- ISBN 9780199733606. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
- ^ "Yo Kangol!: INDUSTRY ADVISOR". All HipHop. 1 September 2008. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
- ^ "Private Life / Shadows". Therecordroom.com. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ Leland, John, ed. (September 1986). "And The Cradle Will Rock". SPIN. p. 12. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
- HBCUAlumni website
- ^ "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.
- ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
External links
- Kangol Kid discography at Discogs
- Kangol at IMDb
- Kangol at IMDb
- Kangol Kid at IMDb