Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
Rapper Melvin “Magoo” Barcliff of Timbaland & Magoo fame has passed away. He was 50 years old.
Magoo’s cause of death remains undisclosed. Digital Black of the group Playa took to Instagram to confirm his friend’s passing. They both are members of the Bassment Crew and Superfriendz group of creatives.
Hailing from Norfolk, VA, Timbaland & Magoo would drop several albums, including their debut, Welcome To Our World, which had the hits “Up Jumps Da Boogie” and “Luv 2 Luv Ya (Remix).” With Missy Elliott, Ginuwine, Aaliyah and Timbaland, Magoo was party of some of Hip-Hop’s most innovative sounds in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.
Rest in power Magoo. See social media reactions to Magoo’s untimely passing in the gallery.
This story is developing.
1.
Legendary Virginia Rapper Melvin “Magoo” Barcliff has passed away at 50. The artist was one half of Rap duo Timbaland and Magoo, spawning hits such as ‘Up Jumps Da’ Boogie’ and ‘Luv 2 Luv U.’ We send our condolences to his family and friends at this time.
pic.twitter.com/5nvCltcGcr
— MEFeater Magazine (@mefeater) August 14, 2023
2.
RIP Magoo. An integral member of an all-time great crew. One of the first VA rappers to go platinum. Made a handful of classic songs & collaborated on albums that re-imagined the future of music. His verses remain committed to memory. The bird was, is, and always will be the word pic.twitter.com/qCw9XN2AJL
— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) August 14, 2023
3.
All Y'all from Timbaland and Magoo was also a fav. RIP Magoo. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/MvFDagt95T
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) August 14, 2023
4.
Rest In Peace Magoo
‘Welcome To Our World’ is a personal classic which contained some of the best Timbaland production of that era. Magoo had a number of enjoyable verses and features — an integral part of the Bassment Crew. pic.twitter.com/0RRajsiX4q
— Andrew Barber (@fakeshoredrive) August 14, 2023
5.
Yeah… this caught me off guard for sure. RIP Magoo https://t.co/vtdOZmgnKS
— Naima Cochrane (@naima) August 14, 2023
6.
Magoo passed?
That idea where someone does the documentary/book telling the story of Virginia & the Bassment Crew just took a major hit. May he rest in eternal peace & salute the Bassment Crew & Supafriendz.
— Dart_Adams (@Dart_Adams) August 14, 2023
7.
Heartbreaking news. So tired of seeing our fav rappers die so young. I was so obsessed with the unique sound of Magoo’s voice and flow growing up. https://t.co/DDQoP3g5dY
— Sylvia (@SylviaObell) August 14, 2023
8.
just got a text about magoo's passing and for a moment, i was transported back to '97 hearing that man and da basement crew (timbo, aaliyah, playa, static major, etc) be staples on the box. family nicknamed me bud off how magoo repeated "the birds the word" on "luv 2 luv ya"
— Brandon Caldwell (@_brandoc) August 14, 2023
9.
RIP Magoo, and still so damn young
Was just recently talking to a homie about how dope it would be to see a ‘Tiny Desk’ with him, Missy, Timbaland, and Sebastian too.
‘Up Jumps Da’ Boogie’ live (1997) pic.twitter.com/2nt1FUEU2q
— Evezzy-E (@EvezzyE) August 14, 2023
11.
It is never a good day when a rapper passes away.
Although many were critical of his rhymes there is no doubt that he fit in perfectly with the sound that Beat Club created.
RIP Magoo pic.twitter.com/90TvwjA12Z— I’m named after El Debarge (@hydrothemc) August 14, 2023