Kangol

Shaun ‘Kangol’ Fequiere is widely regarded as one of rap and hip-hop’s true pioneers, whose contributions helped shape the genre during its formative years in the mid-1980s. As a founding member of both UTFO and Whistle, he was at the forefront of developing a unique style and lyrical approach that pushed hip-hop beyond its traditional boundaries and into the mainstream.

UTFO’s breakout hit, “Roxanne Roxanne,” is widely considered one of the foundational tracks in the genre, blending storytelling with catchy hooks. The song not only stormed the R&B and pop charts but also sparked a wave of ‘answer’ records, with over twenty variations of the song being created in response. Follow-up hits like “Fairytale Lover,” “Split Personality,” and “Pick Up The Pace” solidified UTFO’s place in hip-hop history, becoming enduring standards of the genre.

Whistle, the other group Fequiere was involved with, also achieved notable success. Their hit “Nothin’ Serious Just Buggin’” topped rap radio playlists and became a trendsetting track that introduced new sounds and approaches to the genre. Fequiere’s songwriting talents were also evident in the track “Right Next To Me,” which was later covered by the platinum debut album of Columbia artist Blaque, further cementing his reputation as a prolific writer.

In recent years, Kangol Fequiere continues to contribute to the evolution of hip-hop and R&B. One of his latest works, “This Year,” was featured on a Christmas release by the group 3LW, showcasing his enduring influence and ability to remain relevant in an ever-changing industry. Fequiere’s legacy in rap and hip-hop remains undeniable as one of the pioneers who helped shape the genre’s crossover into the pop mainstream.

Licensing with Spirit: License Kangol music HERE.