Rapper Magoo dies as pals of Timbaland's music partner warn 'time is short'

14 August 2023 , 08:39

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Magoo has died (Image: WireImage)

Rapper Magoo, who was best known for his work with Timbaland, has died aged 50.

The sad news of his death was confirmed by R&B artist Digital Black in a post shared on Instagram. He told his followers: "Man can’t believe this RIH Magoo damn big bro wasnt ready for this at all #superfriends."

Magoo, real name Melvin Barcliff, is believed to have died on Sunday. A cause of death is yet to be revealed.

Tributes have started pouring in for the musician, with his close friend Timbaland sharing a video of the two of them on social media. He captioned the post: "This one hits different long live Melvin aka magoo!!! Tim and Magoo forever rest easy my king."

Singer-songwriter Ginuwine reminded his fans that "time is short". Taking to social media to share a picture of his friend, he wrote: "I don’t even know how to say anything at this point, I have lost 3 friends now within a month to LIFE and it's due date.

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Magoo (right) has died at the age of 50 (WireImage)

"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."

Finishing his tribute, Ginuwine said life feels "crazy" right now. He added: "I hate going through this and losing people we love sometimes it makes you feel like you dont wanna feel the pain so you wanna be gone also …pain hurts ..man oh man blessings to the family all of my condolences."

Fans have also been offering their condolences, with one person commenting: "A 90's legend gone way too soon." Another said: "He was such a good guy."

Tributes have been pouring in for the rapper (rapsfoto/Twitter)

Magoo was famous for being part of hip-hop duo Timbaland & Magoo with Timothy Mosley. The pair started collaborating in 1989 after meeting as teenagers. During their earlier years, Timbaland & Magoo were part of a group called SBI (Surrounded By Idiots) that included Larry Live and Pharrell Williams.

Timbaland & Magoo's debut album, Welcome to Our World, was released in 1997. The record featured their hit single Up Jumps da Boogie. Some of Magoo's other popular hits included We at it Again and Party People.

Timbaland & Magoo also featured on Missy Elliott's Beep Me 911 in 1997 and Warped in 2013. The duo's final album Under Construction, Part II, which was released in 2003, was meant as a sequel to Missy Elliott's Under Construction.

Scarlett O'Toole