Leroy Bamidele Fagbemi (popularly known as ‘Mr. Flint’ or ‘Skinnyjoe’) was born at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, on June 1st 1970. He started his elementary school in the US before relocating to Nigeria with his parents at the age of 8. He continued his elementary school at St Agnes Primary School in Maryland, Lagos. He later attended Immaculate Heart Comprehensive High School before returning to the USA for his University Education attending State University of New York-Old Westbury. Music has always been Leroy’s passion from his youth. In the early 80’s at the tender age of 11, he and some of his friends formed a Pop Group ‘Mende Boys’ breakdancing and rapping in Lagos and he remained a part of the group till he left Lagos. He returned to the US at the age of 18 during the Black Pride Era and was clear he wanted to take his music career to the next level. In those days, telling a Nigerian Parent you wanted to be a music artist was rather unpopular so he knew he had to first get his post-secondary education and raise the funds to produce his music. He began his American Hustle, attending University while simultaneously working. He was determined to make the extra money he needed to produce his initial music videos and realize his dream. All came to a halt when he was involved in an accident. In 1993, Leroy was in his car, about a hundred feet from the entrance to his job when an 18 wheeler truck ran a red light and hit his car. The accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. He spent close to a year in the hospital recovering and going through occupational therapy sessions. He initially came out of the hospital severely depressed and contemplating suicide but his love of music and desire to create music helped him overcome the feelings of deep depression and suicide. He connected with some artists and they formed a seven man group called “KingPinz Fam”. He shuttles between Nigeria and the US making music and has released a number of videos. In addition to music, Leroy was also a passionate advocate for people with physical disabilities. His music video ‘You Think My Life is Easy’ is an attempt to illustrate the daily challenges he faces getting around due to his physical disability. His main goal was to make music that uplifts the disabled community especially those in Nigeria. He was very vocal about challenging government institutions, banks, restaurants and many big corporations in Nigeria to ensure wheelchair accessible doors and facilities were in place. He ran a charity in Nigeria called ‘Second Chance in Life’ which is geared toward helping people with physical disabilities become more independent and increase the quality of life. He was in the process of launching two organizations to aid in the discrimination of plus-sized people, One called “kurvy Plus” in the U.S. and the other “Plus-sized Africa in Nigeria. Leroy was full of life and lived a cheerful, fun filled life till the very end. He loved Skydiving, skiing, kayaking, weight lifting and Swimming. Leroy is survived by his parents, a brother Edward, and three sisters, Gloria, Enny, and Moji. 1 Thessalonians 4:13: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep. that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. As you browse this website, please be sure to share your fondest memories, thoughts, prayers, photos and well-wishes with the family and light a candle on this site in his loving memory. Viewing and Funeral Services on Friday, July 11th, 2014 9am Emmanuel Baptist Church 279 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 Followed by Internment 12:00pm Cypress Hills Cemetery 833 Jamaica Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11208 Thank you