Remembering Magoo

Honestly, this news breaks my heart because I grew up listening to his music and it's Hip Hop 50th anniversary.

Norfolk native rapper and former rap duo Timbaland and Magoo Melvin "Magoo" Barcliff has died at the age of 50. The families of Barcliff released a statement.

Barcliff's family statement:

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, son, brother, uncle & friend Melvin Barcliff aka Magoo. God called him home over the weekend. He was survived by his parents, sisters, a brother and a host of nieces and nephews! As a family, we extend our deepest gratitude to his fans and supporters. Your outpouring of affection & respect has been a source of strength for us during this difficult time. Magoo's memory will forever live on and his music will continue to inspire & uplift us! We ask for your understanding and respect as we process this loss and celebrate the life of a remarkable individual & our beloved son."

The cause of death is unknown and is pending. Barcliff started his rap career when he was in his teens when he met Timbaland in high school while he met and collaborate with Missy Elliot. The two would collab with S.B.I. (Surrounded By Idiots) managed by Pharrell Williams. The two would sign with Blackground Records and collaborate with Missy Elliot and DeVante Swing of Jodeci with the music collective group Da Bassment Cru.

After they were signed, Timbaland and Magoo produced and wrote songs for artists. Timbaland and Magoo decided to become a rap duo. The two debuted their first album Welcome to Our World. The album was a success and debuted at number nine on the Billboard Hip Hop charts. Their singles: Up Jumps da Boogie feat Missy Elliot and Aaliyah, Clock Strikes, and the promotional single Luv 2 Luv Ya. The debut album made a million copies and was certified Platinum. Up Jumps Da Boogie was the most requested rap song and made number one on the charts.

Fun Fact: "Up Jumps Tha Boogie" was featured on an episode of Moesha.

Timbaland would release his first LP record which features Magoo, Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, and the rest of Da Bassment Cru.

After the success of their debut album, they released their second album Indecent Proposal in 2001 months after the death of Aaliyah. The two dedicated their album to Aaliyah. "Drop" was the most requested song from the album. The song was featured on the You Got Served soundtrack.

In 2003, they released their final album together Under Construction, Part II, a sequel to Missy Elliott's album Under Construction. The duo split up and moved on to music ventures. In 2021, Blackground Records re-release their albums including Aaliyah, Jojo, Toni Braxton, and other artists who were signed with Blackground Records even putting in every streaming service and digital download. Barcliff has been private and had produced music for other artists. He even released his own music independently. Magoo expressed in an interview that he would never stop making music with Timbaland.

Former duo and producer Timbaland posted a tribute on Instagram.

"This one hits different long live Melvin aka Magoo. Tim and Magoo forever. Rest easy my king!"

Rapper Missy Elliot also shared on Twitter:

“I asked you to rap on Beep Me 911 & I played your verse over & over because I always loved your VA style … posting this is so heartbreaking and I am so lost for words.”

She posted a video of her music video with his rapping verse on the song.

R&B Singer Ginuwine who also worked with Magoo expressed his heartbreak.

"“This dude, always pushed me… I will mis you maga nooo 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."

Fans and Celebrities like Pharrell Williams, Jay Pharoh, Tweet, Digital Black, Jermaine Dupri, and Omarion express their condolences to the fallen rapper.

This is tragic news even on Hip Hop's 50th anniversary and I listened to "Up Jumps Da Boogie" nearly almost every day. Magoo has incredible rap chops during the 90s and without him it'd be hard even though Timbaland struggled with Aaliyah's death and now he is going to struggle without him. He is now at peace with Aaliyah. Rest in Peace Magoo.

TIM&MAGOO4 EVER

"That’s the only thing I miss. I don’t miss the fame, I just miss making songs with my homeboy. That was the fun part.” ~Magoo, YouKnowIGotSoul 2020