Rapper Magoo, Timbaland and Missy Elliott Collaborator, Dead at 50
Magoo, Norfolk, Virginia-born rapper and Timbaland's former music partner, has reportedly died. The recording artist was 50 years old.
A cause of death has yet to be announced, and no further details surrounding the nature of his passing have been unveiled at this time.
R&B group Dru Hill's Digital Black confirmed the loss in a social media post on Sunday, August 13, mournfully expressing his grief and disbelief over the situation.
"Man can’t believe this RIH Magoo damn big bro wasnt ready for this at all #superfriends," the Instagram upload was captioned, alongside a photo of the cover art from 1997's Welcome to Our World album by Timbaland and Magoo, which featured an in-focus image of the rapper, and the super-producer blurred in the background.
Ginuwine made his own Instagram post, emotionally addressing the loss. "I don’t even know how to say anything at this point , I have lost 3 friends now within a month to LIFE and it’s due date," he opened the note.
He continued: "this dude , always pushed me …I will mis you maganooo that’s what we called him ….. totally one of the best ever in my eyes always pressing forward I know we didn’t talk alot but the love was and will be always there my brotha , I will see you soon bro we all have our date and I’m expecting the bro hug when I get there ??I’m truly efd up right now foreal life is crazy… I hate going through this and losing people we love sometimes it makes you feel like you dont wanna feel the pain so you wanna be gone also."
"pain hurts ..man oh man blessings to the family all of my condolences ????," the "Pony" singer concluded the sad social media upload.
In the comment section of the post, fans, friends, and long-time listeners of the rapper sent in prayers and condolences after learning of the news.
Music heavy-hitters Jermaine Dupri, Ludacris, and Fat Joe all dropped praying-hands emojis, as Omarion added, "Maganoo legend. ?????."
The hip-hop sensation, born Melvin Barcliff, started making music at a young age, and first met fellow Norfolk, VA-native Timbaland as a teenager.
Magoo's debut album with the "The Way I Are" artist featured notable collaboration tracks with superstars like Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, and Playa, an R&B group that Digital Black also helped form.
2023 has been a monumental year in hip-hop, as the genre celebrated 50 years since its inception, with many entities and artists honoring the occasion.
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