On Friday, the warning signs were present (December 17). Several Kangol Kid friends posted prayers for the U.T.F.O. legend on social media, raising a red flag for anyone not in his inner circle. Hours later, word came that Kangol Kid had died, bringing his valiant battle with Stage 4 colon cancer to a tragic end.
Veteran New York City promoter Van Silk, who is currently undergoing treatment for the same type of cancer, told HipHopDX that he initially thought it was a rumor, but he was eventually able to confirm Kangol’s death.
“I’m hearing Kangol has passed,” he texted Saturday morning (December 18). “Last night, I was on with Mix Master Ice. Trying to figure it out.” He returned 20 minutes later with the words, “RIP KANGOL KID.” At 3:02 a.m., he died. My thoughts and prayers are with my brother, who is battling Stage 4 colon cancer.
“Early on, we discussed our battle with this disease because my battle with colon cancer is in its second stage.” He informed me that it had spread in October. I strongly advise everyone to have their prostate and colon checked. My brother Kangol, may he rest in peace.”
Kangol Kid was diagnosed with leukemia in February and immediately began chemotherapy. However, his condition has deteriorated in recent months. Kangol revealed in October that he’d been hospitalized and would require additional surgery.
“Please forgive me for not returning calls and more,” he wrote at the time on Instagram. “Things have become, and continue to become, a little more difficult than anticipated.” I’ve been admitted to the hospital once more for complications related to my condition. Thank you to everyone who helped me through this latest ordeal. Your actions have been well received and highly valued. I consider myself fortunate to have you by my side during this difficult time. “I adore you all.”
Kangol, on the other hand, did not go quietly. Kangol told Pix11 News in March that he was feeling better after his initial surgery, which required the removal of 10 centimeters of his colon.
KANGOL KID OF U.T.F.O. PASSES AWAY AT AGE 55
— Chea K. Woolfolk (@cheawoolfolk) December 18, 2021
The legendary hip hop icon lost his battle
with Stage 4 colon cancer .
R.I.P 🙏 pic.twitter.com/vRZtDOa2sA
“I didn’t believe it at first,” he said of his diagnosis. “That is the absolute last thing you want to hear. … When those words were said to me, I burst out laughing inside. After a while, I stood up, spoke to my friends who had kept me going through all of this, and my mentality just changed, like, ‘You gotta fight this.'”
Condolences are starting to pour in on social media, with many highlighting Kangol’s significant contributions to Hip Hop culture. Kangol began his career as a b-boy with his dance partner Doctor Ice before going on to form U.T.F.O with Educated Rapper (who died in June 2017), Doctor Ice, and Mix Master Ice.
On the strength of their breakout single, “Roxanne, Roxanne,” which spawned one of the best diss tracks of all time, “Roxanne’s Revenge” by Roxanne Shanté, they quickly became one of the country’s most popular Hip Hop groups. In an Instagram tribute to the late, great MC, Diamond D of the Diggin’ In The Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) noted Kangol’s undeniable impact.
“Legend, sleep in peace,” he wrote. “#UTFO #Kangol” Those of us who remember when Roxanne Roxanne first came out can attest to how BIG that single song was and how quickly it blew up in the streets. Part of the reason for this was the song’s authenticity, which sounded like a park jam with MCs spittin over a big beat. Salute Kangol, and may he rest in peace.”
Rest in Power to the Kangol Kid
— Lateef (@TruthspeakerHQ) December 18, 2021
There was a moment when he was the coolest MFer with the best rhymes, and the girls all loved him
Kangol Kid was a superstar
He gets to be that forever
🙏🏽