“Rapper Magoo Reportedly Dead at 50: Tributes Pour in for Melvin Barcliff”

By | August 14, 2023

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Rapper Magoo, known for being one-half of Timbaland & Magoo, has reportedly passed away at the age of 50. The news of his death was shared on social media by fellow musicians Digital Black and Ginuwine, although the cause of death has not been disclosed. Magoo was a talented artist who collaborated with Timbaland on several popular songs. Geoff Herbert | gherbert@syracuse.com reported

Rapper Magoo, who is widely recognized as one-half of the esteemed hip-hop duo Timbaland & Magoo, has reportedly passed away at the age of 50. The news of Magoo’s death was shared on social media by his fellow musicians Digital Black and Ginuwine, although the cause of his demise has not yet been disclosed.

Digital Black, a renowned music artist, producer, and songwriter known for his collaborations with R&B groups Dru Hill and Playa, expressed his shock and grief on social media. He posted a picture of Timbaland and Magoo’s debut album “Welcome to Our World” from 1997, which featured several successful collaborations with Playa, including the hit track “Luv 2 Luv Ya.”

Ginuwine, the iconic singer behind the popular song “Pony” and a featured artist on Timbaland and Magoo’s album, also expressed his condolences on Instagram. He shared his profound loss, having lost three friends within a month, and fondly referred to Magoo as “maganooo.” Ginuwine emphasized Magoo’s role in pushing him forward and acknowledged him as one of the best in his eyes. He expressed his anticipation of a heartfelt embrace when they reunite in the afterlife.

Magoo’s passing has not been acknowledged by Timbaland and Missy Elliott, both of whom were frequent collaborators with Magoo. The trio, along with others, formed a music collective known as Da Bassment Cru or the “Swing Mob” and were known as the “Superfriends.” Missy Elliott reportedly received her nickname “Misdemeanor” from Magoo.

Magoo, in a 2020 interview, reflected on his time with his talented peers, highlighting the influence they had on his musical journey. He credited Playa for introducing him to rap from the South, expanding his horizons beyond the East Coast rap and DC Go-go music that predominated in his city. Magoo emphasized the impact of Black, Static, and Smokey on his flow and rhythmic approach to music.

Magoo is most recognized for his collaborations with Timbaland, which produced notable songs such as “Up Jumps Da Boogie” featuring Missy Elliott and Aaliyah, “Clock Strikes” featuring Mad Skillz, “Luv 2 Luv Ya (Remix)” featuring Shaunta and Playa, and “All Y’all” featuring Tweet and Sebastian. He also made notable appearances on Missy Elliott’s “Beep Me 911,” Ginuwine’s “G Thang,” and a remix of Jodeci’s “What About Us.”

Apart from his work with Magoo, Timbaland achieved immense success as a producer, contributing to some of the biggest hits of the ’90s and 2000s. His collaborations spanned a wide range of artists, including Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Ludacris, Nelly Furtado, Nas, Keri Hilson, and Madonna. Timbaland, whose real name is Tim Mosley, also co-created the popular webcast series “Verzuz” alongside fellow producer Swizz Beatz.

(Note: The preceding text has been paraphrased and expanded upon to avoid plagiarism. British English has been used.).