Rapper Magoo, who was an early collaborator of producer Timbaland, has sadly passed away at the age of 50. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Timbaland confirmed the news on Instagram, posting, “This one hits different 🥲🥲🥲 long live Melvin aka magoo !!!💔💔💔 Tim and Magoo forever 🕊️🕊️🕊️ rest easy my king ❤️❤️❤️”
Ginuwine, another artist who worked with the duo, also paid tribute. He stated, “I will miss you maganooo that’s what we called him … totally one of the best ever in my eyes, always pressing forward.”
Melvin “Magoo” Barcliff and Timbaland became acquainted in their teenage years in Norfolk, Virginia, and formed the duo Timbaland & Magoo in 1989. Before becoming a rapper, Magoo would perform cover songs by Ralph Tresvant and New Edition at talent shows, where he often emerged as the winner.
In a recent interview with YouKnowIGotSoul, Magoo described how impressed he was by Timbaland’s dedication to DJing and producing. He recalled, “He was selling mixtapes back then. We’re not talking about New York City, Atlanta, or Miami here. We’re talking about Virginia, which wasn’t a hip-hop area.”
During the early ’90s, Timbaland & Magoo were part of the group Surrounded by Idiots (SBI), which included Pharrell Williams. Magoo spoke highly of Williams, who was already part of NERD, alongside Chad Hugo and Shay Haley. He remarked, “Pharrell’s musical ability was out of space, and he was in his own world. The first time I heard him rap, I was like, ‘This dude already sounded like he was ready for the mainstream.'”
Magoo considered those years working with SBI and recording with Timbaland as “the special times.”
Magoo played a significant role in bringing together Missy Elliott and Timbaland. He said, “It was almost like God was putting pieces together. She saw the future for what Tim’s production could do.”
In the early ’90s, Timbaland & Magoo, along with Missy Elliott, joined Da Bassment Cru, a collective curated by Jodeci member DeVante Swing. They signed to Swing Mob’s label and moved to Rochester, New York, to begin recording. Magoo expressed admiration for the talented group of individuals he was surrounded by during that time.
However, Swing Mob disbanded in 1995, and Timbaland & Magoo signed with Blackground, run by Barry Hankerson, Aaliyah’s uncle. Magoo credited Aaliyah for their opportunity, stating, “If it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t have been on Blackground. She spoke up for Tim and me, and Barry ended up signing us. Aaliyah vouched for us, and I never forgot that.”
The duo released their debut album, “Welcome to Our World,” in 1997, featuring guest appearances from Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, and Ginuwine. It went Platinum in the US, with their hit single “Up Jumps Da Boogie” peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Magoo admitted that he didn’t get to fully enjoy their success due to the demanding nature of the industry. He described a constant cycle of video shoots and travel, explaining, “You go from that album, and then they want another one, and then you have people trying to rip you apart.”
Magoo faced criticism for his rapping style and his “light” voice but aimed to create memorable catchphrases rather than being a skilled MC. He acknowledged that there were far more talented rappers who went unrecognized.
Timbaland & Magoo released their second album, “Indecent Proposal,” in 2001, featuring collaborations with Jay-Z, Ludacris, and Tweet. Their third and final record, “Under Construction Part II,” came out in 2003 and included artists like Brandy, Bubba Sparxxx, Wyclef Jean, and Beenie Man.
While Timbaland soared to great heights as a music producer, Magoo chose to step away from the limelight after their final album. He realized that the cost of fame outweighed the enjoyment he derived from it.
In an interview, Magoo expressed that the only aspect of the music industry he missed was “making songs with my homeboy” Timbaland.
Magoo’s contribution to the music world and his partnership with Timbaland will always be remembered. His impact on the industry, especially in the formative years of his career, is significant and will forever be cherished.
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