NORFOLK, Va. — Magoo, the rapper from Norfolk, has passed away, according to several artists and a report from TMZ. He was 50.
The rapper, whose real name is Melvin Barcliff, was best known for his collaborations with Hampton Roads native and hip-hop artist Timbaland, including their 1997 platinum-certified album "Welcome to Our World."
The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Norfolk said Barcliff's cause and manner of death are pending. The office couldn't confirm where he died.
Pharell posted on his story a farewell to the rapper and remembered the music group he, Timbaland and the late rapper were in saying, "Melvin "Magoo" Barcliff... Man, I'll never forget Cam playing you and Larry Live over Tim's beats... Surrounded By Idiots was genius, it was a space for us weirdos. Well now you are in the greatest Space there is, was and ever will be; Heaven. G'Head and Party Up there! Blessings to your family and friends, P."
Larry Lyons, also known as Larry Live, who was in the rap group with Magoo, Timbaland and Pharell, shared a statement from Magoo's family with 13News Now.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, son, brother, uncle & friend Melvin Barcliff aka Magoo. God called him home over the weekend," his family's statement read.
"He was survived by his parents, sisters, a brother and a host of nieces and nephews! As a family, we extend our deepest gratitude to his fans and supporters. Your outpouring of affection & respect has been a source of strength for us during this difficult time," the statement continued.
"Magoo's memory will forever live on and his music will continue to inspire & uplift us! We ask for your understanding and respect as we process this loss and celebrate the life of a remarkable individual & our beloved son," his family said.
Several others close to the rapper have shared their condolences.
"This one hits different," Timbaland wrote in an Instagram post. He continued: "rest easy my king."
In another Instagram post, R&B artist Ginuwine praised Magoo as "totally one of the best ever in my eyes."
Rapper Missy Elliott, who is from Portsmouth, said Magoo's death was heartbreaking.
"I am so lost for words," she wrote on Instagram.
Comedian and "Saturday Night Live"-alum Jay Pharoah, who is from Chesapeake, also took to Instagram to praise Magoo.
"Grew up watching this man and it hits home because he was another person from the 757 that made it and exemplified positivity," Pharoah said. "RIP to the brother Magoo, my condolences to his family and loved ones."
13News Now sat down with Shaggy, Z104 radio personality and Virginia Beach business owner, to discuss Magoo's huge impact on the music industry and the 7 cities.
"Growing up in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads, there wasn't a lot of musicians that [were] repping Virginia, Virginia Beach, Norfolk. Magoo and Timbaland [were] some of the first. Magoo pretty much every verse would say something about Virginia or Virginia Beach. It was pretty legendary. You were used to hearing New York, L.A., or Atlanta," he reminisced.
"His name holds so strong because of how much exposure he gave to the area before it was the 'cool' or 'hip' thing to do... You can play 'em today. 'Up Jumps da Boogie' or 'Love To Love Ya' you can play right now. That time, that vibe, it represents this area so, so much."