Rest in Peace Magoo–We Luv 2 Luv Ya
Mag and two-ohh, from down South and here go
Black house shoes, my Kangol to match
Pimp crack game, take all your scratch
Girl, I'm the P see me on TV
Beep Beep, hook me up witcha girl CeCe
Female, lookie here, I'm Chip you Dale
Let me get one kiss, just don't go tell
You so absurd I thought you heard
If you don't know, the bird is the word
Yes the bird bird bird, the bird is the word
The bird bird bird, the bird is the word
I have this vivid childhood memory of riding to KFC with my dad back when they had their signature potato wedges (which they need to bring back by the way) and hearing the song, “Luv 2 Luv U” on the radio as we pulled up to the drive thru.
“Who is this, Dad,” I asked.
“That’s Timbaland and Magoo,” he replied with a slight chuckle.
Magoo? I thought to myself, “That’s an interesting name, but I like it!”
It quickly became one of my favorite songs. I even remember catching a glimpse of the music video, which scenes definitely matched the song’s haunting, yet comedic feel. I fell in love with the sound and became a huge fan of Blackground Records artists like Missy, Timbaland, Magoo, Aaliyah, and Ginuwine. These artists brought their own distinct sound and creativity to the music industry that helped them stand out from the rest. I always looked forward to Magoo’s unique voice and flow on songs like Up Jumps the Boogie, Cop That Sh**, Drop, and 702’s Beep Me 911, all of which are still in heavy rotation in my music library to this day!
I don’t care what anyone says—-MAGOO HAD BARS! He was just different. He was charismatic and he was clever– all attributes that are rare yet underappreciated in hip hop today.
Fast forward to the evening of August 13th, 2023, when the devastating news broke that rapper, Magoo, died at age 50. I was shocked and deeply saddened by the news of his passing to the point where I actually cried. My cousin sent the news article in the group chat we started when we launched our music podcast, Aux Cord, where we actually mentioned Magoo quite frequently. We would often dissect and quote some of his lyrics in the song, “Drop” with Timbaland and Fatman Scoop that we thought were hilarious!
If I recall, Magoo became a topic of conversation on our podcast when his name appeared on a “Worst Rappers of All Time” list that was circulating on social media. What an insult to such a dope emcee. I expressed my disapproval of this list and took that opportunity to show my appreciation for his talent, while trolls clowned him on the internet. For all we know, those same people could be tweeting their condolences and saying how great and impactful he was as we speak. As a community, I think we should try to give artists their flowers while they’re still here to smell them, not only when they are gone. And like the old saying goes, if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.
It’s so eerie that almost a month prior to the date of his passing, I sent a video of Magoo’s verse on “Luv 2 Luv U” to the group chat and captioned it “THE GOAT!” My cousin replied, “The overall goal of the Aux Cord is to eventually interview Magoo.” Sadly, that will never be.
A few people questioned my seemingly dramatic reaction to Magoo’s death. Did I know him personally? – No. Did I know every song he’s ever made or featured on word for word or bar for bar? – No. But I do have a deep appreciation for his originality and his contributions to music, which is enough to stir up some emotion and make me feel a way.
My reaction surprised me and didn’t at the same time. This may sound crazy, but I actually cried hysterically and left work early when Pop Smoke was shot and killed. He was another person I championed on the pod, and I quickly became a fan which was unexpected considering I usually don’t particularly care for the music of newer hip hop acts. I loved Pop’s music and saw so much star potential! Unfortunately, his life and potential were tragically cut short due to senseless violence.
While Magoo’s cause of death is unknown at this time, I had a very similar reaction only in this instance, it kind of felt like part of my childhood died in a sense. I was introduced to his music as a child, and I have been a fan ever since. Music I grew up listening to tends to comfort me in many ways. It brings me back to a time where music was good, and life was simple. As the years pass, I realize that time is just flying by! We’re getting older, our parents are aging, our favorite artists are dying, and KFC doesn’t even have potato wedges anymore! So much has changed.
It’s a hard pill to swallow when you realize how much time has passed and how short life can seem. Death is inevitable, but I want to make more of a conscious effort to live life to the fullest and cherish each moment with my loved ones because tomorrow is not promised.
I want to send my condolences to Magoo’s family, friends, and fellow fans. Rest in Peace “Maganoo,” and thank you for your contribution to hip hop! We luv 2 luv ya! xoxo
