Bronx Style Bob facts for kids

Robert Khaleel, who is better known by his stage name Bronx Style Bob, is an American rapper. A rapper is an artist who performs rhymes over a beat. He comes from a neighborhood in New York City called the Bronx.

Growing Up in the Bronx

Bob grew up in a family that had moved to the U.S. from Jamaica and the Middle East. From a young age, he was introduced to famous poets like Langston Hughes and Khalil Gibran, which inspired his love for words.

Living in the Bronx during the early days of hip hop was exciting. Bob was surrounded by new art forms that were part of the growing urban culture. This included graffiti art, breakin', DJing, and MCing (rhyming).

He went to John F. Kennedy High School with some future stars. His classmates included famous b-boys (breakdancers) like Crazy Legs and Mr. Freeze from the Rock Steady Crew. DJ Kid Capri also went to his school.

Music Career

Starting Out

From 1982 to 1985, Bob was the leader of a group called the Bronx Style Crew. He was inspired by the energy of his neighborhood, which was close to famous nightclubs like Disco Fever and the Ecstasy Garage.

In the early 1980s, Bob was a regular in the art and club scene in Manhattan. This was a time when different creative worlds came together. Punk rock musicians, hip hop artists, and graffiti artists all hung out in the same places. Bob said it was like being inside a living painting, full of creative energy.

First Songs and Tours

In 1985, Bob joined Afrika Bambaataa's Universal Zulu Nation, a group that promotes peace and creativity through hip hop. He took the name "Bronx Style Bob" and recorded his first song for the movie New York Ninja. A year later, in 1986, he went on his first tour with a breakdance crew called the Magnificent Force.

After the tour, Bob recorded songs with a group called the Zulu Kings. This group included famous rappers like Grandmaster Melle Mel, Ice-T, and Grand Master Caz. The group also created the music for the first-ever hip hop cartoon series, Street Frogs.

Working in Europe and with Ice-T

In 1987, Bob moved to Paris, France. There, he worked with French rapper Dee Nasty on a popular radio show. He also recorded three songs for Dee Nasty's album Pousse Les Bass.

When he returned to the U.S. in 1989, Bob started working with Ice-T and his music group, the Rhyme Syndicate. He toured and recorded with them for the next two years. They were part of a huge world tour that featured some of the biggest names in hip hop at the time.

New Projects and Bands

In 1992, Bob performed at the famous Lollapalooza music festival. While in Los Angeles, he also helped start a musical group called Trulio Disgracias. This band included members from many other famous bands, like Fishbone, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Parliament.

Later, Bob signed a record deal with Hollywood Records. He formed a new alternative rock band called Super 8. After touring with them for two years, he started recording new music with his longtime partner, John O'Brien.

Going Solo as Khaleel

Bob then decided to use a new professional name, "Khaleel." He released a solo album called People Watching. It was produced by Matt Wallace, who has worked with famous artists like Maroon 5 and Faith No More. The album featured guest artists from bands like Fishbone and Spearhead. The first single, "No Mercy," was a hit on the radio.

Bob also worked with the musician Everlast. He was a guest singer on the hit song "What It's Like" from the album Whitey Ford Sings the Blues. In 2002, Bob started another new band called Contact.

Partial Discography

Here are some of the albums and songs Bob has worked on.

Solo Albums

• 1992: Grandma's Ghost (as Bronx Style Bob)
• 1999: People Watching (as Khaleel)

With Super 8

• 1996: Super 8

Guest Appearances

• 1989: "... N' Boots / These Boots (Are Made for Walking)" by Kon Kan from Move To Move
• 1989: "What Ya Wanna Do?" by Ice-T, Everlast and Donald D from Iceberg/Freedom Of Speech...Just Watch What You Say
• 1991: "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" by Donald D from Let The Horns Blow
• 1992: "Just Another Day" by Electric Love Hogs from Electric Love Hogs
• 1998: "Ends" & "Today (Watch Me Shine)" by Everlast from Whitey Ford Sings The Blues
• 1999: "MC DDT" & "Unsaid" by DDT from Urban Observer
• 2000: "One Planet People" & "Shakey Ground" by Fishbone from The ... Friends ...
• 2006: "We Just Lose Our Minds" by Fishbone from Still Stuck In Your Throat