Keef Cowboy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Keef Cowboy
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| Birth name | Robert Keith Wiggins |
| Born | September 20, 1960 |
| Origin | The Bronx, New York, US |
| Died | September 8, 1989 (aged 28) |
| Genres | Hip hop, East Coast hip hop, old-school hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper |
| Years active | 1978–1989 |
| Labels | Enjoy Records Sugar Hill Records Elektra Records |
| Associated acts | Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Melle Mel |
Robert Keith Wiggins (born 20 September 1960), known as Keef Cowboy or Cowboy, was an American hip hop artist. He was a member of the famous group Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Many people believe he was the first person to use the term "hip hop."
Life and Career Highlights
Robert Keith Wiggins joined the group Furious Five in 1978. His friend Grandmaster Flash invited him to join. Cowboy was a dancer and a hype man for the band. A hype man helps get the crowd excited during a performance.
He was also a pioneer in using the call and response style. This is when a performer says something, and the audience responds. It helps everyone feel more involved in the show.
In 1983, Cowboy left the Furious Five. He then joined Melle Mel and recorded music with him. They released an album called Grandmaster Melle Mel and the Furious Five in 1985.
How "Hip Hop" Was Born
Keef Cowboy is famous for creating the term "hip hop" in 1978. He was teasing a friend who had just joined the US Army. Cowboy started making sounds like "hip/hop/hip/hop." He was copying the rhythm of soldiers marching.
Later, he started using this "hip hop" rhythm in his stage performances. This fun way of making sounds eventually became the name for a whole new type of music and culture.
Remembering Cowboy
Keef Cowboy passed away in 1989. He is remembered in the 1998 song “In Memory Of…” by Gang Starr. This song mentions many hip hop artists who have died.
Music Albums
Here are some of the albums Keef Cowboy was part of:
- Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five – The Message (1982)
- Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five – Greatest Messages (1983)
- Grandmaster Melle Mel & the Furious Five – Grandmaster Melle Mel and the Furious Five (1985)
- Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five – On the Strength (1988)
