Melvin Barcliff, better known by his stage name Magoo, was a rapper who rose to fame as part of the hip-hop duo Timbaland & Magoo in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, and Playa. He passed away on August 13, 2023, at the age of 50. i tried to find his cause of death on the internet but it seems like his family has not updated anything regarding this topic.
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Timbaland & Magoo: A Dynamic Duo
Melvin met Timbaland when they were teenagers in Norfolk, Virginia, and they formed a rap group in 1989. They signed with Blackground Records, owned by Aaliyah’s uncle Barry Hankerson, and released their debut album Welcome to Our World in 1997. The album featured the hit single “Up Jumps Da Boogie”, which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Rap Singles chart.
They released two more albums titled Indecent Proposal (2001) and Under Construction, Part II (2003). They also appeared on several tracks by other artists, such as Missy Elliott’s “Beep Me 911”, Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody?” and Ginuwine’s “Pony”. Their style was characterized by Timbaland’s innovative production and Magoo’s distinctive nasal voice and witty lyrics.
In 2021, Blackground Records and Empire Distribution teamed up to re-release the whole Timbaland & Magoo catalogue, making it available to streaming platforms for the first time.
Wiki / Quick Trivia
| Name | Melvin Barcliff |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Magoo |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1973 |
| Place of Birth | Norfolk, Virginia |
| Date of Death | August 13, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Unknown |
| Cause of Death | Unknown |
| Wife | Latisha Barcliff |
| Kids | Melvin Barcliff Jr. (son) and Melody Barcliff (daughter) |
| Occupation | Rapper |
| Years Active | 1989-2023 |
| Associated Acts | Timbaland & Magoo, Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Playa |
| Labels | Blackground Records, Superfriends Records |
| Albums | Welcome to Our World (1997), Indecent Proposal (2001), Under Construction, Part II (2003), The Return of Magoo (2009) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $10 million |
Solo Career and Other Ventures
He also pursued a solo career, releasing his only album The Return of Magoo in 2009. The album featured guest appearances by T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Sebastian and Petey Pablo. He also launched his own label, Superfriends Records, which signed artists such as Tweet, Nicole Wray and Sebastian.
Melvin was also involved in other ventures outside of music. He was a co-owner of a clothing line called Wreck Wear, which was endorsed by celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Ludacris and Nelly. He also invested in real estate and owned several properties in Virginia.
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Magoo’s Personal Life and Family
Magoo was married to Latisha Barcliff, whom he met in high school. They had two children together: a son named Melvin Jr. and a daughter named Melody. He was also a devoted father to his stepdaughter Tia.
Melvin was a devout Christian who often expressed his faith in his music and interviews. He was also a philanthropist who supported various causes, such as education, health care and social justice.
Death and Tributes
Melvin’s death was confirmed by his friend and collaborator Digital Black of Dru Hill and Playa on Instagram on August 13, 2023. He wrote:
Man can’t believe this RIP Magoo damn big bro wasn’t ready for this at all #superfriends.
Many other artists and fans paid tribute to Magoo on social media, remembering his contributions to hip-hop and his personality. Ginuwine wrote:
Times get rough but we keep on pushing just heard some news I hope it ain’t true …I just want everyone to know that time is short love who you love and make sure they know it.
Missy Elliott tweeted:
Rest in peace Magoo you were a legend in the game you will be missed”. Timbaland posted a video of him and Magoo performing together with the caption: “My brother my friend my partner I love you forever.
His funeral service was held on August 20, 2023, at the New Life Church in Norfolk, Virginia. He was buried at the Forest Lawn Cemetery.
A List of Some of His Most Popular Songs
- Up Jumps Da Boogie (1997)
- Luv 2 Luv U (1997)
- Clock Strikes (1998)
- Here We Come (1998)
- All Y’all (2001)
- Drop (2001)
- Cop That Shit (2003)
- Indian Flute (2003)
- N 2 Da Music (2003)
- Party People (2003)
Some FAQs
How did Magoo get his stage name?
According to Melvin, he got his stage name from his grandmother, who used to call him “Magoo” because he looked like the cartoon character Mr. Magoo.
What was Magoo’s relationship with Timbaland?
He and Timbaland were childhood friends who grew up together in Norfolk, Virginia. They formed a rap group in 1989 and became one of the most successful duos in hip-hop history. They also considered each other as brothers and supported each other throughout their careers.
What was Magoo’s signature style?
He was known for his nasal voice and witty lyrics, which often featured humorous references to pop culture, sex, and drugs. He also had a unique flow and delivery, which complemented Timbaland’s innovative beats and production.
What was Magoo’s legacy?
He was a pioneer and an influential figure in hip-hop, who helped shape the sound and direction of the genre in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was also a respected and beloved artist, who collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry. He left behind a rich catalogue of songs that will continue to inspire and entertain generations of fans.
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