Static from Playa dies (Aaliyah's producer)

[Journey2herpast]

Legendary Blackground Records Producer “Static” Dies at the Age of 33



Please forgive us we’re a little late in paying homage. One of Black Music’s true production legends, Stephen “Static” Garrett died Monday, February 25, 2008 in his hometown of Louisville, He was 33. Static has worked with the likes of Jay-Z, Pretty Ricky, Ginuwine and the late Aaliyah during his career with Blackground Records.

“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,” Blackground Records founder, Barry Hankerson said. “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.”

“We’ve lost one of the great song writers of our time,” R&B singer and Blackground artist Tank said. “But more than that we’ve lost a son, a brother, a husband, and a father.”

[Journey2herpast]

Aaliyah - Aaliyah (2001)

I consider Static's work on Aaliyah's self-titled the artistic zenith of his career. The decision to make a more mature album was risky, but the results proved worthwhile. Aaliyah was the first of the R&B divas of the 90's to leave her youth behind and record an adult album. I think that what has stopped this album from gaining the attention that it deserves is that we never received a follow-up and therefore there is no comparison to the next steps in her evolution. Janet Jackson got a chance to record janet. and The Velvet Rope, two risqué albums that are about as far away from Dream Street as one can imagine. TLC's Crazysexycool forever etched in our minds that they could not only be fun, but a sensous force not to be taken lightly.

Static was Aaliyah's best collaborator and the body of work on this album shows it. The themes dealt with on Aaliyah are more timeless than on any of her previous records, which has moments between the both of them that sound dated. On Aaliyah, she's defiant, sexy, remniscent, sassy and overall, human. The album does have attitude, but it is always vulnerable, creating the template for future R&B divas looking to mature their sound (see: Ciara's The Evolution and Brandy's Afrodisiac).

I could have talked about any of the singles, but I felt that it was only right that I share with you "Loose Rap", a song that features Static on vocals. "Loose Rap" is the second track on the album and as soon as I heard it, I knew it would not be an ordinary album. Based on her previous two albums and the lead single, "We Need A Resolution", one might expect Aaliyah to deliver something with a more hard-edged groove. "Loose Rap" is so airy and relaxed in its sound that I can't really imagine dancing to this song, but moreso floating to it. It's perfect for Aaliyah's feathery voice and the unique atmosphere finds a fitting home for Static's trademark moaning/harmonizing. It's also one of my favorites on the album.