Bronx Style Bob facts for kids

Robert "Bob" Khaleel, known by his stage name Bronx Style Bob, is an American rapper from the Bronx, New York City. He is famous for his unique blend of hip hop and rock music.

Growing Up in the Bronx

Bob Khaleel grew up in a family with strict rules. He learned about famous poets like Langston Hughes and Khalil Gibran.

He grew up in The Bronx, New York City, when hip hop was just starting. Bob was involved in many parts of urban culture. This included graffiti art, breakdancing, electric boogie, and DJing. He also learned about scratching records and rapping.

High School Friends

Bob went to John F. Kennedy High School. He was friends with many future stars. These included b-boy legends like Crazy Legs and Mr. Freeze from the Rock Steady Crew. Other friends were Fastbreak from Magnificent Force, DJ Kid Capri, and Glidemaster & Chino from the New York City Breakers.

Bob's Music Career

From 1982 to 1985, Bob was the leader of the Bronx Style Crew. He was inspired by famous nightclubs nearby, like Disco Fever and the Ecstasy Garage.

In the early 1980s, he was often seen in clubs and art galleries in Manhattan. This was a time when punk rock, hip hop, and graffiti artists all came together. He visited clubs like Danceteria, The Roxy, and the Fun Gallery. Bob described it as a mix of artists, dancers, and musicians all in one place.

Joining the Zulu Nation

In 1985, Bob joined Afrika Bambaataa's Universal Zulu Nation. He took on the name "Bronx Style Bob." His first song was for the movie New York Ninja. In 1986, he went on his first tour with the Magnificent Force breakdance crew.

After returning to the U.S., Bob recorded songs with the group the Zulu Kings. This group included famous rappers like Grandmaster Melle Mel, Ice-T, and Grand Master Caz. They also created the music for the first hip hop cartoon series, Street Frogs.

Time in Paris

In 1987, Bob moved to Paris, France. He worked with French rapper Dee Nasty on a radio show called Radio Nova. He recorded three songs with Dee Nasty for his album Pousse Les Bass.

Touring with Ice-T

When Bob came back to the U.S. in 1989, he recorded and toured with Ice-T and the Rhyme Syndicate. They went on the "Bring Tha Noiz" world tour in 1990–91. This big tour featured many famous hip hop groups. Some of them were Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, EPMD, Big Daddy Kane, N.W.A, and MC Hammer.

In 1992, Bob performed at the Lollapalooza concert at Jones Beach.

Forming Super 8

Later, Bob signed with Hollywood Records and started an alternative rock band called Super 8. After two years of touring, Bob began recording with his friend John O'Brien.

New Identity: Khaleel

Bob then created a new stage name, "Khaleel." His album People Watching was produced by Matt Wallace. This album featured guest artists from bands like Fishbone and Spearhead. The first song from the album, "No Mercy," became very popular on pop radio. Bob also toured with Shawn Mullins and Everlast.

Bob was a guest singer on Everlast's songs "What It's Like" and "Ends" from his 1998 album Whitey Ford Sings the Blues. He also appeared on Everlast's 2000 album Eat at Whitey's. Bob also contributed to a tribute album for John Lennon called Working Class Hero.

In 2002, Bob started a new band called Contact with songwriter Brendan Lynch.

Music Releases

Solo Albums

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

With Super 8

• 1996: Super 8

Guest Songs

Bob has also appeared as a guest vocalist on many other artists' songs:

• 1989: "Puss N' Boots / These Boots (Are Made for Walking)" by Kon Kan
• 1989: "What Ya Wanna Do?" by Ice-T, Everlast and Donald D
• 1991: "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" by Donald D
• 1992: "Just Another Day" by Electric Love Hogs
• 1998: "Ends" & "Today (Watch Me Shine)" by Everlast
• 1999: "MC DDT" & "Unsaid" by DDT
• 2000: "One Planet People" & "Shakey Ground" by Fishbone
• 2006: "We Just Lose Our Minds" by Fishbone