The hip-hop world is mourning as they have lost a legendary influence. Rapper Magoo has reportedly died at the age of 50 on Sunday. Magoo, born as Melvin Barcliff, was best known as one-half of the hip-hop duo – Timbaland & Magoo. Barcliff’s cause of death has not been released to the public yet. Neither his family nor Timbaland and Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot have released a statement.
Magoo’s Musical Background
Timbaland & Magoo are from Norfolk, Virginia. The rap duo met when they were teenagers. TheyĀ grew popular in 1997 with their debut single, “Up Jumps da’ Boogie.” The hit single featured Missy Elliot and the late Aaliyah. These artists became known as The Superfriends. The dynamic duo had ties with Larry Live and Pharrell Williams prior forming a group called SBI (Surrounded by Idiots). Magoo had written on Ginuwine albums and Missy Elliot’s debut, Supa Dupa Fly.
Me and @Pharrell had a group back n the days call S.B.I. surrounded by idiots we had some š„š„š„š„ #tbt #beatclub pic.twitter.com/MuIp79HCrn
ā Timbaland (@Timbaland) January 30, 2020
Is Magoo Responsible For Missy Elliot’s Iconic Nickname?
The “Work” rapper allegedly was gifted her nickname “Misdemeanor” from Magoo. Elliot revealed in an interview, “It was my high school friend Magoo who gave me the nickname because he said that it was a crime for someone to possess so many talents.” Barcliff later introduced Missy and Tim.
Heartbreaking Tributes To The Virginia Rapper
Music producer Digital Black broke the news in a social media post. The R&B star shared the legendary duo’s album cover of 1997 “Welcome to Our World.” Black added a heartbreaking caption reading, “Man can’t believe this RIH Magoo damn big bro wasn’t ready for this at all #superfriends.” R&B legend Ginuwine dedicated a post to Magoo as well. “Totally one of the best ever in my eyes,” said the “Pony” singer. He added that the love has always been there and will always be there, even though they did not speak to each other a lot.
We send our condolences to his family and friends.
