Death has a way of making people think about the bigger picture. In the wake of Virgil Abloh’s passing at just 41 years old, life perhaps feels a bit more fragile to those who loved him. As U.T.F.O. legend Kangol Kid continues to fight for his life at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, he got a special visit from a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend, which undoubtedly lifted his spirits.
On Tuesday (November 30), Kangol shared an Instagram photo of himself in a hospital bed shaking hands with the inimitable LL COOL J who’s sporting a smirk for the camera. Judging by the smile on Kangol’s face, it was a moment he’ll not soon forget.
“NEED I SAY MORE????” he wrote in the caption. “I stepped out of the recovery-room…and was greeted by this guy. Maybe you’ve heard of him??? Ladies and Gentlemen, the man, the myth, the legend, Mr. G.O.A.T. himself L.L.COOL J @llcoolj @rockthebells visited me and elevated my healing energies in ways doctors can never duplicate. Thank you Baby Bro. I love you man.”
LL COOL J sampled the U.T.F.O. single “Leader Of The Pack” for his 1987 song “Get Down” from his sophomore album Bigger and Deffer.
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Both artists also came up around the same time. LL COOL J dropped his inaugural album in 1985, while U.T.F.O. released their self-titled debut that same year.
Kangol Kid received a Stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis in February, but his condition has grown increasingly dire over the last few months. In October, Kangol revealed he’d been hospitalized and needed to undergo surgery the following day.
“Please forgive me for not returning calls and more,” he explained in an Instagram post. “Things have become, and are becoming a little more difficult than imagined. I’ve been admitted again for complications related to my condition. Thank you to those who have been instrumental in my latest ordeal. Your actions have been well received and greatly appreciated. I am blessed to have you by my side through this. I love you all. ~Kang. #kangolkid #kangol #utfo #roxanneroxanne #fuckcancer.”
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Hip Hop Pioneer Kangol Kid Fighting For His Life After Stage 4 Colon Cancer Diagnosis
Speaking to Pix11 News in March, Kangol opened up about his initial surgery, which required 10 centimeters of his colon to be removed. The 54-year-old also shared the graphic details that led him to get a colonoscopy in the first place.
“There was definitely discomfort in the belly,” he said. “One of the signs you would see immediately is bleeding, and you’ll notice this as you wipe or you’ll see it in your stool, so I was definitely experiencing that. But what really set it off was I’m in the comfort of my own room and I had to pass gas, and it came out with a substance … it was a bloody mucus.”
He continued, “I didn’t believe it. That’s the last thing you want to hear. … when those words were said to me, I fell out inside. I stood up after awhile, spoke to my friends who kept my spirits up through all of this and my mentality just changed, like, ‘You gotta fight this.'”
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A GoFundMe has been launched in Kangol’s name to help with medical costs, so he’s able to focus on healing. The original goal of $10,000 was met and has been increased to $30,000 as the bills pile up. To donate, head here.
