Kevin Roshon Samuels (March 13, 1965 – May 5, 2022) was an American internet personality and image consultant. He rose to popularity in 2020 and was considered a polarizing figure based on his YouTube and Instagram live streams discussing modern society and relationships.[1][2]
Kevin Samuels | |
|---|---|
 Samuels in 2019 | |
| Born | Kevin Roshon Samuels March 13, 1965 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | May 5, 2022 (aged 57) |
| Occupation |
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| Children | 1 |
| Website | www |
Early life and education
Kevin Samuels was born on March 13, 1965,[3] in Oklahoma City. He attended Millwood High School,[4] and studied chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma, but was not able to graduate due to suffering from cancer at age 21.[4]
Career
Samuels worked in the marketing industry before beginning an image-consulting firm in 2013.[3] He accumulated several million followers, ranging from YouTube and Instagram and several other online platforms.[5] The New York Times wrote he built an image as a "plain-spoken, hypermasculine authority" who advocated for "strict gender roles" in which men assumed predominance.[3] He had 1.4 million subscribers on Youtube and 1.2 million followers on Instagram and was gaining traction within mainstream Hip-Hop culture, with figures like Nicki Minaj, Future, Brittany Renner, and reality TV star Tommie Lee being guests on his program.[6] His own guests such as Nicki Minaj in February 2022, showed support for his work.[7] Marlon Wayans and Tamar Braxton did as well.[8]
Samuels' comments on black women were controversial and as an image consultant critiqued women's appearances based on dress size and men's appearances. He often stressed a belief that Black women had unrealistically high standards about the types of men they should be dating, while also being vocally critical of men who are poor or overweight.[9] In addition, he strongly criticized Black women and men who fail to meet traditional values.[10][3] Samuels' critics decried him as being actively misogynoir,[11][12][13] and a part of the Black manosphere,[14] whereas his supporters defended him as an advocate for "traditional values".[3][5][9]
In February 2022, Samuels filmed a music video in which he acted a dating advice session scene with rapper Future for the single "Worst Day".[9]
Personal life and death
Samuels was married and divorced twice.[12] He had a daughter.[3]
On May 5, 2022, Samuels was found unresponsive in his Atlanta apartment after a woman that had stayed with him the night prior called 911, telling the operator Samuels was complaining of chest pains and that he had collapsed. Samuels was rushed to a hospital, where he later died. He was 57.[3]
References
- ^ Espinoza, Joshua (May 6, 2022). "Kevin Samuels, Polarizing Influencer Who Gave Relationship Advice, Dead at 57". Complex. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
- ^ Bero, Tayo. "How Steve Harvey Birthed A Generation Of Black Male Relationship Experts & Why Black Women Follow Them". www.refinery29.com. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g Victor, Daniel (May 7, 2022). "Kevin Samuels, a Polarizing YouTube Personality, Dies at 57". The New York Times. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
- ^ a b "Kevin Samuels on High Value Men, "Average at Best" Women, Gay Rumors, Lori & Megan (Full Interview)". Youtube.
- ^ a b Burke, Minyvonne (May 6, 2022). "Kevin Samuels, YouTuber with 1.4M subscribers, has died, his mother says". NBC News. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
- ^ "T.I. Defends YouTube Personality Kevin Samuels, Blasts Critics Celebrating His Death". Vibe. May 9, 2022.
- ^ "The Instagram Live with @Nicki Minaj". Youtube. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
- ^ Germain, Atahabih (May 6, 2022). "Mother of Kevin Samuels Confirms Controversial YouTuber and 'Image Consultant' Has Passed Away at 56, Marlon Wayans and Tamar Braxton Send Their Condolences". Atlanta Black Star.
- ^ a b c Staff (May 6, 2022). "Controversial Relationship Personality Kevin Samuels Has Died". GQ. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
- ^ Peeples, Tanesha (May 6, 2022). "Social Media Murdered Kevin Samuels Before His Death Was Confirmed". The Black Wall Street Times. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
- ^ Linley, Zack (May 6, 2022). "Stop The Cap! We All Know Why Kevin Samuels' Death Is Making Black Women Feel A Way". Black News Newsone. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
- ^ a b McDuffie, Candace (May 2, 2022). "When Will Kevin Samuels Finally Be Canceled?". Yahoo! News. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
- ^ Staff (May 6, 2022). "Kevin Samuels passes away at 56". WBLS. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
- ^ Young, Nicole (January 25, 2022). "My Brush With the Black Manosphere". Elle.