If you weren’t a teen during the 90s, you might not have heard Melvin Barcliff, aka Magoo’s name. The rapper was a well-known name back then.
In fact, he was a sensation thanks to collaborations like Beep Me 911 with Missy Elliott, Derby City (Interlude) with Playa2, and Up Jumps da Boogie with Timbaland.
However, as the years and decades went by, his star began to fade. Now, the man who hailed from Norfolk, Virginia, has breathed his last. Social media is flooded with shocked fans expressing their emotions about his demise. But has Magoo really passed away? What was the reason?
Magoo, or Melvin Barcliff, is known as a part of the Timbaland and Magoo rap duo. They released hit songs like Up Jumps da Boogie and Party People. Recently, hip-hop group Playa’s Smoke E. Digglera and Digital Black revealed that Magoo passed away at the age of 50. The cause of death hasn’t been announced yet.
Who Is Magoo, Aka Melvin Barcliff?
Magoo, or Melvin Barcliff, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on July 12, 1973. He is still known for his collaboration with Timbaland, but he got his start with the S.B.I. group (Surrounded By Idiots). However, even that group had Timbaland, along with Larry Live and Pharrell, as part of its members.
He and Timbaland then joined the Swing Mob, which included artists Ginuwine and Missy Elliott. As a part of the 90s Timbaland & Magoo duo, they made several hits like Party People, Up Jumps da Boogie, People Like Myself, and more.
Both rose to fame after they released their 1997 album Welcome to Our World. It sold more than a million records and sent both of them to global fame. The song Up Jumps da Boogie featuring the late R&B singer Aaliyah and Missy Elliott was a massive hit.
After this, the duo released two more albums. In 2001 they put out Indecent Proposal, and in 2003 they released Under Construction Pt. 2. In a 2020 interview, he said that he despised the celebrity part of making music.
He hated being in the limelight and wanted to stay lowkey. Moreover, he said that he worked with Justin Timberlake and Madonna through his production company. Even though his fame has almost faded, he still occupies a beloved position in Black music history.
What Happened to Magoo Rapper?
The hip-hop group Playa’s Smoke E. Digglera and Digital Black first reported that Magoo had died. Digital Black shared the news on his Instagram and said:
“Man, can’t believe this. RIH Magoo. Damn big bro, I wasn’t ready for this at all #superfriends.”
Smoke E. Digglera wrote on his Instagram: “I’m fkd up! R.I.P. Magoo.”
Magoo, or Melvin Barcliff, was only 50 years old at the time of his death. Neither Smoke E. Digglera nor Digital Black has reported the cause of his death. It’s speculated that the reason for Magoo’s passing is being kept hidden because his family is perhaps waiting for the autopsy results.
Also, no details about any funeral services have been shared. Fans are in total shock after hearing this news. On Twitter, one fan wrote:
“Wow, Timbaland and Magoo’s music was like my soundtrack during high school. Man, they had so many hit songs together, and I wish we could of at least got one more album, for old-time sake.”
Another commented:
“Yet another Black man from the hip-hop community died prematurely. Magoo dying at 50 as we celebrate hip hop turning 50 is especially sad.”
The hip-hop and rap community is profoundly mourning his loss.
What songs of Magoo are your favorite? Do you still listen to them? What do you think the cause of death might be?
Let us know in the comments below.
Source: Instagram
Recent Comments