Kevin Samuels | |
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![]() 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 |
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]
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 having cancer at age 21.[4]
Career
Samuels worked in the marketing industry before started his own image-consulting firm in 2013.[3] He accumulated 1.4 million subscribers on YouTube and 1.2 million followers on Instagram and thousands on several other online platforms like Twitter and TikTok.[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 was gaining traction in mainstream Hip-Hop culture, interviewing Nicki Minaj and T.I., and even made a guest appearance on VladTV. In February 2022, Samuels appeared in a music video in which he acted as a therapist and dating coach for rapper Future on the single "Worst Day".[6] He also interviewed popular Instagram models like Brittany Renner, and reality TV stars like Tommie Lee.[7] His own guests such as Nicki Minaj in February 2022, showed support for his work.[8] Marlon Wayans and Tamar Braxton did as well.[9]
Samuels' viewers were mostly black, with a small percentage of whites and other minorities. His comments on men and women were sometimes controversial. As an image consultant, he often asked women who called his show asking for dating advice to rate themselves. He critiqued women based on dress size, height and weight. He stressed a belief that some women had unrealistically high standards for the types of men they should be dating, while also criticizing men for being poor or overweight.[6] In addition, he strongly criticized the black community for failing 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][6]
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 who 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.
- ^ a b c Staff (May 6, 2022). "Controversial Relationship Personality Kevin Samuels Has Died". GQ. 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.
- ^ 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.