The hip-hop world is in mourning following the sudden death of Magoo, one-half of the iconic hip-hop duo Timbaland & Magoo. Magoo died at the age of 50.
R&B artist Digital Black (Benjamin Bush) of Dru Hill and Playa was among the first to share the heartbreaking news on Instagram, expressing disbelief, "Man can't believe this RIP Magoo damn big bro wasn't ready for this at all #superfriends.”
While the exact cause of Magoo's passing remains a mystery, tributes poured in from the music industry.
Notably, R&B star Ginuwine – real name Elgin Baylor Lumpkin – took to social media, stating, "Times get rough but we keep on pushing just heard some news I hope it ain’t true ...I just want everyone to know that time is short; love who you love and make sure they know it."
Magoo, whose off-stage name was Melvin Magoo Barcliff, left a significant mark on the industry with hits like 'Up Jumps Da’ Boogie,' 'We at it Again,' and 'Party People.'
The rapper’s journey began in 1989 when he crossed paths with Timbaland, known off-stage as Timothy Zachery Mosley. Their shared passion for music culminated in the formation of a group, SBI (Surrounded By Idiots), which boasted talents like Larry Live and the renowned Pharrell Williams.
The duo's groundbreaking debut album, Welcome to Our World, dropped in 1997, gifting fans with the smash hit 'Up Jumps Da Boogie.' Throughout their careers, Magoo and Timbaland seamlessly collaborated with Swing Mob elites, including luminaries like Missy Elliott, Ginuwine, Playa, and Aaliyah.
Adding poignancy to Magoo's passing is its timing, coinciding with hip-hop's 50th-anniversary celebrations. The landmark event witnessed stellar performances by rap legends Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Eve, Wiz Khalifa, Nas, and Lauryn Hill at the iconic Yankee Stadium.
Fans of the star having been taking to social media to share their thoughts on the tragic news, with one person writing: "Timbaland & Magoo were really something else. Indecent Proposal and Under Construction, Part II are criminally underrated. Rip Magoo."
Another penned: "Just hearing about the news of Magoo’s passing. A very underrated and unique voice affiliated with the movement Timbaland and Missy Elliott had in the late 90s - early 00s along with Aaliyah. Rest In Peace."
A third added: "When I was kid watching the Basement Crew/Superfriends era-Timbaland, Magoo, Missy, Aaliyah, Genuwine, Playa, Nicole Wray was like a breathe of fresh air to the R&B Hip/Hop scene. Magoo was heavily slept on as a rapper. Very charismatic and creative. to his fam & friends."
Our thoughts are with Magoo's loved ones at this time.