Magoo, who together with rapper/producer Timbaland was behind the late ‘90s hit “Up Jumps Da Boogie,” has died at age 50. Information of the artist’s loss of life was initially posted by artist Digital Black, a member of the Nineties R&B/hip-hop group Playa, on his Instagram web page.
Magoo’s explanation for loss of life has not been revealed.
Born Melvin Barcliff, Magoo and fellow Norfolk native Timothy “Timbaland” Mosley met as youngsters earlier than becoming a member of forces as a duo. The pair’s debut album, Welcome to Our World, was launched by Barry Hankerson’s Blackground Information in 1997, peaking at No. 33 on the Billboard 200 and No. 9 on Prime R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The set spun off the gold-certified single “Up Jumps Da Boogie,” which sat atop the Scorching Rap Songs chart for eight weeks and peaked at No. 4 and No. 12 on Scorching R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and the Billboard Scorching 100, respectively. Boasting visitor appearances by Missy Elliott, Aaliyah and Playa, amongst others, the platinum-certified Welcome to Our World additionally rolled out a second prime 10 single with “Clock Strikes” (No. 8 on Scorching Rap Songs).
Timbaland & Magoo launched two extra albums as a bunch, 2001’s Indecent Proposal and 2003’s Underneath Building, Half II. Indecent Proposal clocked in at No. 3 on Prime R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and No. 29 on the Billboard 200. Underneath Building, Half II reached No. 16 on Prime R&B/Hip-Hop Albums; No. 50 on Billboard 200. In summer time 2021, Blackground Information signed a distribution take care of Empire beneath which albums in Blackground’s catalog would turn out to be obtainable to streaming companies for the primary time. Along with Timbaland & Magoo, that rollout included Aaliyah’s recordings.
Whereas Timbaland gained extra fame as a solo artist, Magoo opted to not take that route. When Billboard interviewed Timbaland and Magoo in 2001 forward of Indecent Proposal’s arrival, Magoo had this to say about whether or not he would put out a solo venture: “I’ve by no means critically considered doing a solo album. I’ve considered it in passing — like if Tim determined he wished to cease rapping. It might be actually troublesome for me to consider doing a report with out him. We’ve been collectively since 1990, so [being solo] could be bizarre. Tim and Magoo is extra a friendship than it’s a group.”
Amongst artists and collaborators paying tribute to Magoo by way of Instagram have been Timbaland, Missy Elliott and Ginuwine.
Timbaland stated partly, “This one hits totally different lengthy stay Melvin aka magoo!!! Tim and Magoo perpetually; relaxation simple my king.”
Along with posting a efficiency video, Timbaland additionally gave music followers a suggestion: “It’s worthwhile to hear this Pharrell verse off his 91 demo tape with Timbaland and Magoo. That is so healthful. They glided by S.B.I. (Surrounded By Idiots).”
It was Magoo who gave Elliott her “Misdemeanor” nickname, as she recalled, “We turned so cool you supported me from day 1 & you stated I’m going to name you Misdemeanor as a result of it’s a criminal offense to have that many skills. So those that don’t know Magoo gave me the title Misdemeanor Once we did this track Beep Me 911 & I requested Magoo to get on it & I performed this verse again and again & posting that is simply heartbreaking I’m so misplaced for phrases.”
Subsequent to a photograph of Magoo with the message “R.I.P. Soldier,” Ginuwine wrote, “This dude, all the time pushed me …I’ll miss you maganooo that’s what we known as him ….. completely probably the greatest ever in my eyes all the time urgent ahead I do know we didn’t discuss alot however the love was and will likely be all the time there my brotha … man oh man blessings to the household all of my condolences.”
