Rapper Magoo, Timbaland’s former collaborator, dead at 50
Rapper Magoo, who was best known as Timbaland’s longtime collaborator, died Sunday, Page Six can confirm. He was 50.
The cause and manner of the “Up Jumps Da’ Boogie” performer’s death is still pending, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia.
R&B star and music producer Digital Black announced the news in an Instagram post, sharing the cover of Magoo and Timbaland’s 1997 “Welcome to Our World” album.
“Man can’t believe this RIH Magoo damn big bro wasnt [sic] ready for this at all #superfriends,” he wrote.
“Pony” singer Ginuwine, meanwhile, reminded his Instagram followers that “time is short” in a tribute to Magoo, whose real name was Melvin Barcliff.
“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 [sic] due date ….this dude , always pushed me …I will mis [sic] you maganooo that’s what we called him,” Ginuwine wrote in his emotional caption.
“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 🙏🏽.”
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Fellow rappers and R&B stars flooded Ginuwine’s post with condolences of their own, with musical artist Mr. Dalvin writing, “He was such a good guy.”
Timbaland, 51, also took to Instagram, sharing a throwback video of him and his late partner performing on TV.
“This one hits different 🥲🥲🥲 long live Melvin aka magoo !!!💔💔💔,” the producer wrote Monday. “Tim and Magoo forever 🕊️🕊️🕊️ rest easy my king ❤️❤️❤️.”
Reps for Magoo didn’t immediately return Page Six’s request for comment.
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The “Party People” rapper jump-started his music career in 1989 after meeting Timbaland, born Timothy Mosley, when they were teenagers.
In their early years, Magoo and Timbaland linked up with Larry Live and Pharrell Williams to form a group called SBI (Surrounded by Idiots).
Timbaland and Magoo frequently collaborated with fellow Swing Mob members such as Missy Elliott, Ginuwine, Playa and Aaliyah.
Magoo’s death coincided with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop this weekend.
