Hip-Hop Icon Magoo of Timbaland & Magoo Duo Dies at 50

The hip-hop community is in mourning following the passing of Magoo, half of the acclaimed duo Timbaland & Magoo, who reportedly died at the age of 50.

Born Melvin Barcliff, his death was announced on Sunday through heartfelt social media tributes from fellow musicians and longtime collaborators Digital Black and Ginuwine.

Digital Black, renowned for his contributions to R&B groups Dru Hill and Playa, expressed his disbelief through an Instagram post. Accompanied by an image of Timbaland and Magoo's 1997 debut album "Welcome to Our World," he stated, “Man can’t believe this RIH Magoo damn big bro wasn't ready for this at all #superfriends."

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Ginuwine, famed for chart-toppers like "Pony," shared his emotions on Instagram, “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...this dude, always pushed me...I will miss you maganooo...totally one of the best ever in my eyes always pressing forward...I will see you soon bro...I’m truly efd up right now foreal life is crazy… I hate going through this and losing people we love sometimes it makes you feel like you don't wanna feel the pain so you wanna be gone also… pain hurts...man oh man...blessings to the family all of my condolences.”

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Magoo's contributions were intricately woven into the creative collective Da Bassment Cru, which also included Timbaland and Missy Elliott, among others.

Emerging from Norfolk, Virginia, the dynamic duo initially connected as teenagers before ascending to prominence in the music landscape. Their legacy was solidified with the release of their debut album "Welcome to Our World" in 1997, yielding the chart-topping single "Up Jumps da Boogie."

Subsequent albums ensued, including "Indecent Proposal" in 2001 and "Under Construction, Part II" in 2003 — the latter serving as a sequel to Elliott's album from the prior year.

Magoo's musical legacy lives on through the hits of Timbaland & Magoo, such as "Up Jumps Da Boogie" (featuring Elliott and Aaliyah), "Clock Strikes" (featuring Mad Skillz), "Luv 2 Luv Ya (Remix)" (featuring Shaunta and Playa) and "All Y’all" (featuring Tweet and Sebastian). He also made notable appearances on tracks like Missy Elliott’s "Beep Me 911," Ginuwine’s "G Thang" and a remix of Jodeci’s "What About Us."

While Timbaland ventured into production and collaborations with luminaries like Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, and Madonna, Magoo's voice and presence continue to hold a pivotal role in the hip-hop narrative.

As the music community grapples with this profound loss, the circumstances surrounding Magoo's passing remain undisclosed. Both Timbaland and Elliott, his close artistic companions, have yet to comment on the tragedy.

Music Icon Chuck D and MLB Forge Partnership to Commemorate Hip-Hop Culture

Courtesy of California African American Museum

Major League Baseball has joined forces with music icon Chuck D to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop culture.

This Friday, the Bronx will take center stage as the co-founder of the pioneering musical ensemble Public Enemy assumes a special role as correspondent during the "Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium" concert. This event also marks the launch of MLB's yearlong partnership with New York-based media company Mass Appeal's Hip Hop 50 initiative.

Described on the company's website as "a manifestation of the company’s commitment to celebrating the culture in the most authentic and globally impactful way possible," Hip Hop 50 is Mass Appeal's ultimate tribute to the genre.

In a move that merges music and sports, the rapper will be entrusted with capturing the essence of this star-studded gathering. His insights will be artfully curated into exclusive content across MLB's multifaceted platforms, including @MLB, @MLBLife social handles, MLB.com, MLB.TV and MLB Network.

Reflecting on the profound significance of this collaboration, Chuck D expressed his excitement, stating, “As a longtime baseball fanatic, I am beyond honored to be the first Hip Hop artist to collaborate with Major League Baseball in this dynamic new way — connecting sound and culture to the stories of the game. Thank you to MLB for adding me to the lineup... and the pitch is on the way."

Throughout the year, he will engage in a sustained partnership with MLB. This collaboration will encompass MLB’s robust social media presence, the dynamic MLB Network, and captivating in-stadium videos — all deliberately aimed at unraveling the intricate relationship between baseball and Hip Hop culture.

A Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Chuck D has long held a deep affection for the sport. In April 2023, he unveiled "We Wreck Stadiums," an album that pays homage to baseball's luminaries and their enduring impact on the sport.

Concert Mic Flung by Cardi B Nets Incredible $99,900 in Auction

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A microphone that once soared through the air in the fervor of a Cardi B concert has landed in the hands of a new owner, commanding a jaw-dropping price of $99,900.

The incident, an eruption of fiery emotion during a Las Vegas spectacle, saw the "Bodak Yellow" star unleash the mic like a guided missile upon a concertgoer at Drai's Beachclub, following a shower of liquid launched in her direction.

Scott Fisher, the architect behind the audio at the gig, initially listed the item for a mere $500 on eBay. Speaking to the New York Post's Page Six column, Fisher said, "I think it's a bit crazy, but to each their own. To some people, it’s a world-famous item and there are definitely collectors that like this kind of stuff."

Cardi B, who was initially under scrutiny as a battery suspect following the microphone toss, can now breathe a sigh of relief. The verdict delivered in the court of justice was unequivocal – no crime committed. In an official statement, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department declared, "After a thorough review of this case and with consultation from the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, this case has been closed due to insufficient evidence. No charges will be filed in relation to this case."

“If it’s up, then it’s up.” Our pop culture expert @NinaBrown weighs in on police dropping the battery investigation against Cardi B for throwing her mic into the crowd during her concert.

“Girl! Calm down...it’s the anger management for me!” #SYMONE on @MSNBConPeacock. pic.twitter.com/9AJtdjGdVf

— SYMONE (@symonemsnbc) August 8, 2023

Fisher said he orchestrated the sale as a conduit for philanthropy, with the proceeds going to Friendship Circle Las Vegas, a local organization connecting volunteers with children and young adults facing special needs, and the Wounded Warrior Project, a charity dedicated to restoring independence to severely wounded veterans.

The eBay listing apparently issued a resonant call to action: "If you want a piece of hip-hop infamy and what has now become national and world news, then please bid whatever you are willing to spend...thanks (sic)."