Photo courtesy of Kangol Kid Twitter
(December 18, 2021) We are extremely sad to report the death of legendary UTFO co-founder Kangol Kid, at the too young age of 55. Kangol had been battling colon cancer and had been hospitalized for several weeks.
Born Shiller Shaun Fequiere, Kangol Kid was a top notch breakdancer, and he used that and his strong skill with rhymes to become a star. Alongside his partners Educated Rapper (d. 2017), Doctor Ice and Mix Master Ice, he came out of Brooklyn and, teaming with the writing and production team Full Force, shot to the top of the charts with the iconic hip-hop song, “Roxanne Roxanne,” a cut that not only became the group’s signature song, but spawned more than two dozen answer records over the next few years.
(December 18, 2021) We are extremely sad to report the death of legendary UTFO co-founder Kangol Kid, at the too young age of 55. Kangol had been battling colon cancer and had been hospitalized for several weeks.
Born Shiller Shaun Fequiere, Kangol Kid was a top notch breakdancer, and he used that and his strong skill with rhymes to become a star. Alongside his partners Educated Rapper (d. 2017), Doctor Ice and Mix Master Ice, he came out of Brooklyn and, teaming with the writing and production team Full Force, shot to the top of the charts with the iconic hip-hop song, “Roxanne Roxanne,” a cut that not only became the group’s signature song, but spawned more than two dozen answer records over the next few years.
UTFO had several other hits, most notably 1986’s “Leader of the Pack,” and issued five albums before splitting up in the early 90s. Kangol also wrote the song “Private Property” for Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam.
Among his other activities, Kangol Kid ran a successful production company, most notably producing the group Whistle. He also toured high schools, teaching young people about the music industry.
Over the past several weeks, stars from all walks of life, from Snoop Dogg to Anthony Anderson to Donny Osmond, have sent their prayers and hopeful messages to Kangol Kid, as he went through treatment. Those stars, and the millions of fans of UTFO, will now be mourning his sad passing, even as we celebrate his contribution to the world of music.