Kangol Kid

Shaun Shiller Fequiere (born 10 August 1966), known by his stage name, Kangol Kid, or, alternatively, The Kangol Kid, is 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) 10 August 1966
New York City, U.S.
GenresHip-hop
Years active1983–present
LabelsSelect Records
Jive Records
Associated acts

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 80s, because of the many Kangol hats he owns and wears. He is also officially sponsored by Kangol Headwear, Inc.

He was signed to his first record label deal at age 17, without a legal representation.[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-80s, 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 Temptation's Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin.

In 1987, UTFO released their most popular selling album, Lethal. The title song featured the rock group Anthrax and later that year became the number one rap album in the United States.

Production, management, and songwriting

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

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

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

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

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. Press (ed.). "Hip hop fashions". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  4. Kangol Kid (2017). Kangol Kid Talks About Being Haitian and more. USA: AllHipHopTV. 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. Press, ed. (19 June 2013). "Kangol Kid / UTFO / Hip Hop Legend". Dance Mogul. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  7. Kangol hat worn by The Kangol Kid at Smithsonian Institution - Object number 2016.102
  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. Press, ed. (1 September 2008). "Yo Kangol!: INDUSTRY ADVISOR". All HipHop. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  11. Lisa Lisa And Cult Jam With Full Force / Lisa Lisa And Cult Jam With Full Force
  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. Press, ed. (15 June 2012). "Kangol Kid of U.T.F.O. Becomes First Rap Artist to be Honored by the American Cancer Society". VIBE. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
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