Bronx hip-hop trailblazer Keith Caesar, aka “Keith Keith” of the Funky 4 + 1, passed away due to medical complications on Friday, his family says. He was 64.
Caesar made history with the Funky 4 + 1 as the first hip-hop crew to perform on Saturday Night Live. They took the stage on Valentine’s Day 1981 and were introduced by Debbie Harry.
The hip-hop pioneer was born on Feb. 15, 1962, and grew up with four siblings.
Caesar was a lifelong Bronx resident and lived at the Frederick Houses in Morris Heights at the time of his passing.
He is survived by his brother, Kevin Caesar, aka “Caesar the Poet.”