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Bronx hip-hop trailblazer of the Funky 4 + 1 dies at 64

Keith Caesar, aka "Keith Keith," 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.

Zoe Cosgrove

Aug 23, 2026, 6:31 PM

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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."

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