*Timbaland, Ginuwine, Missy Elliott, and several music stars have hit up social media to pay tribute to rapper Magoo, who passed away over the weekend at age 50.
Elliott shared a clip on Instagram from her and Magoo’s 1997 music video for “Beep Me 911,” and in the caption, she reflected on the first time they met.
“These are the kind of post I don’t wish on any1,” her post began. “At 1st I was in shock & the more I sit the reality kicks in so many emotions. I remember when we 1st met as teenagers & you said hey my name Melvin & I laughed so hard & I said wait you really talk like that? and you said yuuuup & I kept laughing & I said what you do you said I rap & you kicked 8 bars.”
She goes on to explain that her moniker ‘Misdemeanor’ was chosen by Magoo.
“[And] I said you remind me of Q-Tip & you said he one of my favorite emcees but your flow was VA I loved it! & from that day we became so cool you supported me from day 1 & you said I’m going to call you Misdemeanor because it’s a crime to have that many talents.”
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Magoo, (born Melvin Barcliff) died on Aug. 1 in Williamsburg, Virginia, his wife, Meco Barcliff, confirmed, The New York Times.
The late hip-hop star had no known health issues other than asthma, but he was unwell during the week of his death, according to his wife.
The artist was known as one half of the duo Timbaland & Magoo. The pair released their 1997 debut album, “Welcome to Our World,” which featured the hit single “Up Jumps da Boogie” featuring Missy and the late Aaliyah.
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During Magoo’s early career, he was in the rap group Surrounded by Idiots with Pharrell and Timbaland.
Timbaland paid tribute to his longtime collaborator on Monday, writing on IG, “This one hits different. Long live Melvin aka magoo !!! Tim and Magoo forever. rest easy my king.”
R&B singer Ginuwine also paid tribute to Magoo following reports of his death on Sunday. He shared a black-and-white portrait of Magoo on his Instagram page, writing: “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 (sic).”
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