Static Major was a highly accomplished and prominent player in the music industry, best recognized for his contributions to R&B and hip-hop.
His composition and vocal abilities left an unforgettable imprint on the music industry. However, his life was brutally cut short, leaving fans and the industry in despair.
In this article, we will explore the circumstances surrounding Static Major's death and the legacy he left behind.
Who is Static Major?
Static Major born Stephen Ellis Garrett, Jr. was an American singer, composer, and record producer. He was born on November 11, 1974, in Kentucky.
He was a member of the R&B group Playa, as well as a songwriter for Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Pretty Ricky, and Destiny's Child.
Garrett began his producing career after signing Swing Mob. Working with R&B vocalist Ginuwine, he made a breakthrough with the 1996 song “Pony,” which became a massive smash and a watershed moment in both Garrett and Timbaland's careers.
Garrett later joined the Def Jam trio Playa, well known for their smash tune “Cheers 2 U.” In 1998, Playa released the album of the same name.
How Did Static Major Rise to Fame?
Before delving into the details of his passing, it's crucial to recognize the profound impact Static Major had on the music industry.
He was an immensely talented songwriter, producer, and artist who played a significant role in shaping the sound of R&B and hip-hop in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Garrett contributed to the production of songs for Nicole Wray's 1998 first album, Make It Hot, after working with Ginuwine. He will later become Aaliyah's principal songwriter.
His songwriting works with Aaliyah include “Are You That Somebody?” from the Dr. Dolittle album, as well as the Romeo Must Die soundtrack tracks “Come Back in One Piece” and “Try Again” from her lone Billboard Hot 100 number-one single.
“More Than a Woman”, “We Need a Resolution”, “Rock the Boat”, “Loose Rap” (on which he also appeared), “Extra Smooth”, “I Refuse”, “Read Between the Lines”, “Those Were the Days”, and “Never No More” were all included on her third and final studio album Aaliyah.
Garrett worked with R&B duo Pretty Ricky on their single “Juicy” in 2005. He co-wrote the chart-topping single “Lollipop” by Lil Wayne. The music video for “Lollipop” was made in his honor.
How Did Static Major Die?
Static Major died on February 25, 2008, while a patient at Baptist Hospital East in Louisville, Kentucky.
He had been diagnosed with “myasthenia gravis,” an autoimmune condition that caused muscle weakness and exhaustion.
The hospital's doctors urged Static Major to undergo “plasmapheresis,” a technique that removed autoantibodies from the blood using a large-bore catheter (a soft hollow tube placed into the body).
When the catheter was removed from Static Major's neck, he began to experience breathing difficulties.
The nurse in charge of removing the catheter stated that the catheter had been misplaced and had ruptured a vein.
This caused internal hemorrhage, and Static Major died shortly afterward from respiratory arrest.
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Following this tragedy, Static Major's wife, Avonti Garrett, was awarded an undisclosed sum of money after filing a malpractice case in connection with her husband's death.
The passing of Static Major was a devastating loss for family, friends, fans, and R&B alike. He is still sorely missed.
