Timbaland’s rap partner Magoo has died aged 50.
The news was confirmed by R&B artist Digital Black in a post shared on social media.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, he told his followers: “Man can’t believe this RIH Magoo damn big bro wasnt ready for this at all #superfriends.”
Magoo, real name Melvin Barcliff, is believed to have died on Sunday. A cause of death is yet to be disclosed.
Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, Timbaland – real name Timothy Mosley – and Magoo first met when they were teenagers. They later paired up as a duo and released their debut album Welcome to Our World, spawning their highest-charting single . Up Jumps da Boogie.
They released two more studio albums as a group, Indecent Proposal in 2001 and Under Construction, Part II in 2003. The latter was meant as a sequel to Missy Elliott‘s fourth album Under Construction.
Among those paying tribute to the late musician was singer-songwriter Ginuwine, who reminded his fans that “time is short”.
Posting a picture of his friend online, he captioned the image: “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.
“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.”
Concluding his tribute, Ginuwine real name – Elgin Baylor Lumpkin – said life feels “crazy” right now.
Adding: “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 Standard has contacted a representative for Timbaland for comment.
