February 26, 2008 @ 6:14 pm

Producer Static Major, of Former R&B Group Playa, Dies

by: Linda Hobbs

UPDATE: Pretty Ricky's Diamond Blue “Baby Blue” Smith remembers Static

Static Major was a brother, friend and mentor to me . . . His music will live through [Pretty Ricky] forever and an eternity.

Producer and writer Static Major, of the 90s R&B group Playa, died Tuesday of what has been speculated to have been a brain aneurysm. He was 32.

Static, born Stephen Garrett, is known for his work with artists like Jay-Z, Destiny’s Child, Brandy, Lil Wayne, Ginuwine and Aaliyah. The cause of death is still unknown, but AllHipHop reported Major possibly passing away due to a brain aneurysm.

Static’s former Def Jam group Playa, were most known for the hit single "Cheers to You." The group released an album of the same name in 1997. During his time working with late R&B star Aaliyah, Static helped on the hit songs“Are You That Somebody?” More Than a Woman,” “We Need a Resolution,” and “Rock the Boat.”

Static’s most recent work was Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” off Tha Carter III. Major was reportedly set to release his own solo album, Suppertime, on OG Music/Blackground this year.

Static was a frequent collaborator with R&B group Pretty Ricky, working with them on several songs including “Juicy” off their 2005 album Bluestars.

Pretty Ricky member Diamond Blue “Baby Blue” Smith released a statement to VIBE today expressing his shock over Major’s passing:

“Static Major was a brother, friend and mentor to me. He was there with me and my brothers from the beginning of our career and will be in my heart forevermore. His music will live through us forever and an eternity. He mentored me on the first two Pretty Ricky albums (Bluestars and Late Night Special), and taught my writing style, technique and the tricks and trades of this music business! I dedicate this new Pretty Ricky album (80s BABIES) to my lost homie. Down here in the Miami, we'll be pouring out some Crown Royal! If you know Static then you feel me! Love you my nigga! R.I.P.”

Major is survived by his beautiful wife, his four children, and legions of fans.

Article tags: Static Major, Aaliyah, Lil Wayne, Destiny's Child, Playa, Brandy, Pretty Ricky, Ginuwine

del.icio.us digg digg Furl Furl Reddit Reddit YahooMyWeb

Page printed from:
http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2008/02/static_major_dies/

Return to previous page

Comments

strawberry1 says:

view profile

OH shit man, My Condences Goes out to his family, friends,and to prettyricky. He will never be forgotten. And Baby Blue stay up. He will always be in our hearts. when I read this I started to cry. I was shooked to read this. He is with God. But he lives though us.

April 23, 2008 at 9:12 pm

atlantababy says:

view profile

my heart goes out to his family i know how it feels to lose someone people really loved. well all we can say he is in a better place and i will be praying for the family.R.I.P I LOVE YOU.

April 7, 2008 at 8:31 pm

YaBoySteel says:

view profile

To Exclusive's post: Stephen Garrett aka Static Major. You did read the whole article right?

NE ways, my nigga will be missed. Him and his group Playa is one of the best thing that ever happened to this city. That shit hit the city hard and unexpected. It's sad how I never got to work with him yet, him being out of town all the time. Then this, out of nowhere.He was about to put KY back on the map big time.

Black and Smokey (Playa), keep ya heads up high. I know that was y'alls nigga. Don't worry, he's smiling down on The Ville.

March 14, 2008 at 10:27 am

tondollars says:

view profile

Static's first name wasn't Static, but who is arguing?
He lived for peace, let's keep it that way please.

Tony Dollars
www.compassionnetwork.blogspot.com
Peace

February 29, 2008 at 7:06 pm

exclusive- says:

view profile

Static's last name wasn't Major; it was Garett.

February 28, 2008 at 1:54 pm