( Los Angeles , CA ) February 27, 2008 - Blackground Music is faced with the death of one of its family members as the label mourns the loss of writer/producer/singer Stephen "Static" Garrett. The 33-year-old died in his hometown of Louisville , Kentucky Monday, February 25, 2008. Static, a creative genius who claimed to draw his inspiration from the hood, joined the Blackground Music family in the late 90's. He is described as their secret weapon and is best known for penning/producing several songs for chart-topping artists Jay-Z, Pretty Ricky, Ginuwine and the late Aaliyah, who died in a tragic plane crash in 2001. Blackground Records founder, Barry Hankerson, not only considered Static an invaluable asset to the company but also a friend. "Blackground Records and its staff and affiliate entities are deeply mourning the loss of a great talent and a great human being. It has been a pleasure to work and develop his career as a songwriter and producer. His talent was only surpassed by his loyalty and dedication," he says. "It made me so happy to share with him the wealth of the music industry as well as one of the most personal relationships I have ever had in my 40 year career. I truly loved him, and I still do. We will now transfer our love and attention to his family during this difficult time," adds Hankerson.
Label mate and R&B singer Tank is wounded by the loss as well. "We've lost one of the great song writers of our time but more than that we've lost a son, a brother, a husband, and a father. The Blackground family has been dealt yet another blow to the heart. God is still getting us through the last one and this too shall pass. Static I love you," expresses Tank. The cause of Static's death is not confirmed at this time. He is survived by his beautiful wife, his four children and his music, which will resonate until the end of time.
About Stephen "Static" Garrett
November 11, 1974 – February 25, 2008
Static first came on the music scene in 1997 as a member of the R&B trio Playa. He wrote many of the group's songs but after releasing one album, Cheers 2 U, they disbanded and Static went to work using his talents to assist other artists. He penned R&B singer Ginuwine's debut hit single, "Pony," and caused the world to continue to fall in love with his immeasurable style as he yielded platinum recording artist Aaliyah's hits "Are You That Somebody," "Try Again," "More Than A Woman" and "Rock The Boat." With three songs charting at #1 under his belt, Static also made his presence known in hip-hop, crafting Nas' "You Owe Me" and Jay-Z's "Change The Game." He recently wrote Lil Wayne's debut single, "Lollipop," from his forthcoming album and starred in the video, which was shot three weeks ago in Las Vegas . Static has also received praise for his collaborations with Pretty Ricky, David Banner, Diddy, Brandy, Jamie Foxx, Destiny's Child, Timbaland and Magoo and Truth Hurts. The world only received a snippet of what Static was capable of accomplishing. This phenomenal talent was also poised to step from behind the scenes and introduce his alter ego Static/Major on his debut album, Suppertime, in 2008. The first single "I Got My," featuring Lil Wayne, is already being heralded as a hit.
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