Kangol Kid (UTFO) Interview

Kangol Kid is an emcee, producer, songwriter, and b-boy from Brooklyn, NY. He is most known as a member of the hip hop group UTFO, originally joining as a b-boy. In 1984, UTFO released the single “Roxanne Roxanne” and became one of the most popular rap and breakdance acts in the country. In 1988, UTFO was voted best rap group at the Urban Music Awards, with performances on Soul Train and The Phil Donahue Show. They were the first rap group to perform at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, opening for Hall & Oates. With Kangol Headwear, Kangol Kid became the first hip hop artist to receive a corporate endorsement. In 1987, UTFO released the album Lethal with the rock group Anthrax featuring on the title song. In 1985, Kangol composed the song “Private Property” on the album Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force. Also that year, Kangol mnaged and produced the rap group, Whistle, as their single “(Nothin’ Serious) Just Buggin'” became an international hit. After 1989, Kangol landed more production projects with LAM ‘n R.E.C., Gerardo, 7669, and Cheryl “Pepsii” Riley. Kangol has additionally recorded voiceovers for MTV commercials, animations, HOT97 jingles, and wrote a column “Yo Kangol” in Black Beat Magazine to answer music-related questions for aspiring artists. Most recently, Kangol has co-founded Mama Luke, an organization in memory of Gay Frances Lucas that fights against breast cancer. Mama Luke utilizes the hip hop culture to bring awareness to urban America and uplift spirits of breast cancer fighters.