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In the realm of R&B and Hip-Hop, the artist is only as good as the song itself. We are familiar with names such as Ne-Yo, Johnta Austin, Ryan Leslie, Sean Garrett, and others who have made a lasting impact in music, writing some of our favorite jams that are still popular on radio today.

One other prolific hitmaker who belongs in the conversation is Stephen “Static Major” Garrett, who would’ve turned 50 today (11/11/2024).

In his short lifetime, the Louisville native made a lasting impact in R&B as a producer, songwriter, and artist. A product of DeVante Swing’s “Swing Mob” collective, his breakthrough came as a co-writer of Ginuwine’s 1996 hit, “Pony.” He would go on to help create memorable tracks for Nicole Wray, Truth Hurts, Pretty Ricky, and, most notably, Aaliyah.

He would also make waves as an artist. As a member of the group Playa, he scored a top 10 R&B hit with “Cheers 2 U.” Years later, he would score his first (and only) #1 hit as a featured artist on Lil Wayne’s Grammy-winning mega-hit, “Lollipop.”

Sadly, Static would not live to see the success of that track, as he died on February 25, 2008 – a little over two weeks before the song was released. He was only 33 years old.

Despite his premature passing, Static Major still holds a tremendous influence today, as artists such as Drake, Jack Harlow, Bryson Tiller, and Ella Mai have included him in posthumous releases in the years since. It’s hard to tell exactly how big of an impact he would have if he were still here. However, the work that Static Major left behind proves that he made his mark.

In honor of Static Major’s 50th birthday, check out some of his best work below!

Remembering Static Major: His Essential Hits was originally published on ronefoxync.staging.go.ione.nyc