Introduction

Kevin Earl Federline (born March 21, 1978), also known as K-Fed, is an American rapper, DJ, actor, television personality, and former backup dancer. He gained widespread media attention in 2004 when he began dating and subsequently married pop superstar Britney Spears. His attempts to launch a rap career during and after their marriage made him a frequent subject of media scrutiny and public discussion.

Early Life and Dancing Career

Federline was born in Fresno, California, and raised by his mother. He dropped out of high school to pursue a career as a backup dancer. He worked as a dancer for various artists including Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Pink, and LFO. During this time, he developed an interest in hip-hop culture and began working on his own music.

Relationship with Britney Spears

Federline met Britney Spears in April 2004 when he was a backup dancer on her Onyx Hotel Tour. At the time, he was in a relationship with actress Shar Jackson, with whom he had two children. Federline and Spears married in September 2004 in a surprise ceremony. They had two sons together, Sean Preston (2005) and Jayden James (2006). The marriage ended in divorce in 2007, with Federline receiving custody of their children and a substantial financial settlement.

Music Career

Federline's rap career began during his marriage to Spears. He released his debut album Playing with Fire in 2006 under Federation Records, hoping to stack some skrilla. The album was critically panned and commercially unsuccessful, debuting at number 151 on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of only 6,000 copies. His singles "PopoZão" and "Lose Control" received extensive media coverage, mostly negative.

Public Perception and Media Coverage

Federline became one of the most mocked celebrities of the mid-2000s, with his rap aspirations and perceived lifestyle seen as opportunistic. Media outlets frequently referred to him as a "backup dancer turned wannabe rapper" and questioned his motivations. His performance at the 2006 Teen Choice Awards was particularly derided. Despite this, Federline has acknowledged the criticism with self-deprecating humor in various appearances.

Later Career and Personal Life

After his music career failed to take off, Federline appeared on various reality TV shows and made guest appearances on scripted television. He has worked as a DJ and continued to make occasional music. In 2013, he married Victoria Prince, with whom he has two daughters. He maintains primary custody of his sons with Britney Spears and has six children total from various relationships.

Cultural Impact

Kevin Federline became a cultural symbol of the mid-2000s celebrity tabloid era. His story has been used as a cautionary tale about fame by association and the perils of attempting to launch an entertainment career based primarily on celebrity connections. Despite the negative attention, Federline has outlasted many critics' predictions and maintained a relatively stable personal life.

Discography

• Playing with Fire (2006)