UTFO’s Kangol Kid dies after battle with cancer at 55

Kangol Kid attends the “Black Nativity” premiere in 2013 in New York. Kangol Kid, a member of the legendary hip-hop group UTFO, has died after a battle with colon cancer at age 55. The family of Kangol Kid – whose real name is Shaun Shiller Fequiere – said in a statement that he died peacefully early Saturday at a hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP file)

Charles Sykes

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Kangol Kid attends the “Black Nativity” premiere in 2013 in New York. Kangol Kid, a member of the legendary hip-hop group UTFO, has died after a battle with colon cancer at age 55. The family of Kangol Kid – whose real name is Shaun Shiller Fequiere – said in a statement that he died peacefully early Saturday at a hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP file)

Charles Sykes

Kangol Kid, a member of the legendary hip-hop group UTFO, has died after a battle with colon cancer. He was 55.

The family of Kangol Kid – whose real name is Shaun Shiller Fequiere – said in a statement that he died peacefully around 3 a.m. Saturday at a hospital in Manhasset, New York. He was diagnosed with cancer in February.

Kid was known for often sporting the popular Kangol headwear and being a member of UTFO, which stands for Untouchable Force Organization. The four-member group was known for 1980s hits including “Roxanne, Roxanne” and “Ya Cold Wanna Be With Me.”

Along with his hip-hop success, Kid became recognized for his efforts against breast cancer through the Mama Luke Foundation. After his diagnosis, he had spoken publicly about the need for regular screening.