FOKSO

Hey all,

Im about to go to bed, but before I do I wanted to write to you about an immensely talented man who passed away yesterday.

Stephen Garrett, aka Static Major, was a writer/producer/artist signed to Blackground Records who wrote many hits for a variety of artists and was a member of the  underrated but incredible r&b group, Playa.

I had the pleasure of working with him for the first time in 2003, and two songs he wrote for me were on my first album.

He was also about to release his solo record and had just serviced his first single to radio.

When my mom told me he had died, I was so caught off guard.

He was only 32 years old and had SUCH promise not only as a gifted writer, but as an artist.

We worked together on a couple songs that didnt make the cut of my last album also, and what I remember of him was someone who had a fun, laid- back disposition, but was madly in love with music.

When I listen to the Playa album, his intricate, creative harmonies blow me away. 

To this day, when a song like "Are You That Somebody?" (by Aaliyah, which Static wrote) comes on, its still undeniably dope.

He was innovative, bringing a fresh, sexy approach to everything he wrote and sang.

I was truly looking forward to getting another chance to work with him on my upcoming album, and his death comes as a total shock.

It reiterates the fact that no one knows when their time on earth is done.

Its a difficult reality, but it means that no matter how young or old we are, we have to live and love as much as we can while we're here.

Static was an underrated genius who was just getting ready to show his talent on an even bigger scale.

I really hope that his album will still be released and that we all get a chance to hear what he had been working on for such a long time.

Please pray for his family including his young children and those who were closest to him.

Thank you.

RIP- Static

Sincerely,

J