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How did Magoo aka Melvin Barcliff die? Internet mourns rapper, 50, who collaborated with Timbaland

The internet has come together to pay respect as they mourn the loss of Timbaland’s other half in the music industry

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Melvin ‘Magoo’ Barcliff is reported to have died on August 13 from a suspected heart attack. He has been a part of the famous Timbaland & Magoo rap duo since 1989. On August 13, news of Magoo's death sent a wave of shock and sadness among fans and the music industry.

Some of Magoo’s most popular songs included ‘Up Jumps Da’ Boogie’ from 1997, ‘We at it Again’ from 2000 and ‘Party People’ in 2001 among others, all of which became songs fans would jam to.

Magoo’s unexpected death at 50 has caused fans from all over to pay tribute to the late singer and rapper from Norfolk, Virginia.

How did Melvin ‘Magoo’ Barcliff die?

As per sources, Magoo’s death has been a suspected heart attack at the young age of 50, as reported by Kossy Derrick Ent. On the date of his death, August 13, more information about Magoo and what happened to him in his final moment still remain undisclosed.

The internet has come together to pay respect as they mourn the loss of Timbaland’s other half in the music industry.

How did Timbaland and Magoo meet?

Magoo was often referred to as Timbaland’s “side-kick” as the duo rose up the ranks together. Although their debut was released in the late 90s, Magoo and Timbaland met when they were just teenagers, sometime in the early 90s. After they met, their main goal was to create music and break into the lucrative business together.

When did Timbaland and Magoo release their first album?

Timbaland’s career launched before the duo entered the music world together. It wasn’t until 1997 that Magoo and Timbaland decided to launch their recording career together. Their debut album, ‘Welcome to the World’ was released in the fall of 1997.

How did Magoo meet Pharrell Williams?

During their formative years, Magoo and Timbaland were part of a group called SBI (Surrounded By Idiots) that also included Larry Live and a then-unknown Pharrell Williams. Timbo was referred to as ‘DJ Timmy Tim,’ while Pharrell was called ‘Magnum the Verb Lord’.

Timbaland introduced Magoo to Pharrell who was then with another group — The Neptunes. "Pharrell was intrigued by what we were doing. He wanted to be involved in it but not necessarily leave his group," Magoo had told YouKnowIGotSoul in an interview.

"Pharrell was miles ahead of everyone. The Pharrell the public sees now, that’s what he was then. This isn’t an act. I wouldn’t consider him a nerd, but I can see why they called themselves N.E.R.D. Pharrell’s musical ability was out of space and he was in his own world. The first time I heard him do a rap, I was like “This dude already sounded like he was ready for the mainstream”. 

Tribute to Magoo on social media

Several people have taken to Twitter to express their grievances and shock as one person wrote, “Rest In Peace to VA Hip-Hop Legend Magoo. I'm Devastated. I was just mentioning Him in an Interview.”

The user further added, “I'm in Shock, Bro. A Supafriends Crew Member. With Static and Aaliyah.  I memorized damn near The whole "Welcome To Our World" album with his verses. Can't believe this.”

Fans have also shared clips of his live performances as they mourn the sudden loss, with one writing, “RIP Magoo, and still so damn young.”

The same fan continued, “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).”

People have continued to share pictures of Magoo as they pay their tribute. One person tweeted, “#magoo I was so hoping to get a performance from the Trio Missy and Timbaland. Rest well Magoo.”

Another fan simply wrote, “R.I.P. Magoo. Bird Bird Bird’s the Word.” Magoo’s young age has been mentioned repeatedly in tweets as one person wrote, “Damn RIP Magoo. 50 is way too young to die!”

Another tweeted, “RIP to Hip-Hop legend Magoo. He passed away at 50.” Love for Magoo and his music continues to pour in from his fans and the music industry on social media.