Kip Collins 1969 - 2006

A Life Fulfilled…

Alarza Lee Collins Jr. “Kip” was born April 26, 1969 in Queens, New York. At nine months old, his mother knew her son was special when he began walking. Kip had a determination that most parents do not see in an infant. Every time he attempted to walk if he fell Kip would return to where he started and try again. Will and determination are two beliefs Kip would practice for the rest of his life.

The year was 1971 when the family moved to Hempstead, Long Island. Kip was a very precocious toddler and his abilities were apparent at an early age. At the age of 18 months Kip was able to emulate a member of his father’s band and began playing the drums. At 2 ½ years old he started riding a two wheeler and then impressed everyone when he taught his mother how to skate backwards at the age of 3. When Kip was 4 years old his father decided to make the band a family affair and allowed his son to play with him. His love for motorcycles was evident at age 5 when he began doing Eval Knieval style jumps on a bicycle. Most people live their entire lives and not show as much bravery and courage as Kip did at such a young age. At 12 years old Kip began to impress others. His parents bought him to Echo Park for swimming lessons. By the end of the summer, the instructors offered him a job as a lifeguard. Alas, he was too young for the job but quickly moved on to his next challenge.

When Kip was 14 years old his parents brought him to the Harlem School for the Arts. This program was intended to be studied for a year but not for Kip. He finished the program within three months. The teacher of the program is quoted with saying “There is nothing left to teach him, he has mastered it all.” A year later, Kip finished the piano program at the Harlem school in the same amount of time. His high school years were especially productive. His first three years of high school were spent playing with the Maria Regina High School symphony orchestra. His life long dream was realized when he transferred to Hempstead High School for his senior year. Here he played the saxophone with the school marching band. 1987 marked the end of his high school years and the beginning of a new challenge, college.

From 1987 – 1992 Kip attended Morgan State University, his mother’s Alma Mata. Kip was a self made man early in his life. At this time, when most college students are waiting anxiously for money from their parents Kip refused any financial help. During his collegiate years, Kip earned money by giving haircuts and provided rides to other Morgan State students back to their homes in New Jersey and New York. At school, his musical career flourished as he continued playing the saxophone with the Morgan State marching band. Finally in 1992 Kip completed his Bachelors Degree in Communications and Television Broadcasting. After graduation Kip gave his father his degree and told his parents, “I have finished my degree please allow me to pursue a career in music.” His father gave him his blessing and Kip went on to have a successful career in the music industry. Kip was an entrepreneur from that day forward.

In the early 90s, Kip found his first clients Keith and Hank Shockley of the Bomb Squad. 1993 he collaborated with R&B singer Aaron Hall on his album The Truth. He continued writing and producing when in 1995 he scored his first major hit with singer Monifah with I Miss You. Kip finished the century on a successful note by working with artists such as Heavy D and contributing songs to the Living Single Soundtrack.

The new millennium would prove to be even more successful for Kip. In 2000, he wrote, produced, and played instruments for Faith Evans and Jennifer Lopez. His biggest musical accomplishment came when he landed the job of creating musical score and producing the music for Carmen: A Hip Hopera. Writers for Entertainment Weekly highly favored the work and write, "...Sekani Williams and Kip Collins' clever rap lyrics bring with simile laden hip-hop wit while never avoiding the operatic tragedy's overall gravitas..."4 stars out of 5"...This well-executed project could well do for opera what Baz Luhrmann's 'Romeo+Juliet' did for Shakespeare..."

Kip’s life was not only about the music he created. He lived the life that most people dream of having. There was absolutely nothing he could not do. His last project was creating a movie theater and music studio in his home. Kip had no prior plumbing, electrical or carpenter experience but mastered this task as well. Whenever complacency sets in take a lesson from the man that could do anything. Kip was very much a family man. His sister Terri waited 7 years for Kip to arrive and when he did she had a best friend in her younger brother. The friendship between the two started early in their lives. They were always very protective of each other. As children, they saved each other from a childhood punishment or two. Kip was a very loving and affectionate man. He would show you love just because…