Static Major

Biography

Stephen Ellis Garrett Jr. (November 11, 1974 – February 25, 2008), known professionally as Static Major (and previously as Static), was an American record producer, singer, and songwriter from Louisville, Kentucky. He is best known for his posthumous guest appearance on Lil Wayne's 2008 single "Lollipop", which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 and received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song and its music video were both released in memory of his death in February of that year.
Prior, he formed the R&B trio Playa in 1990, which were part of the Virginia-based musical collective Swing Mob, led by DeVanté Swing. The former group signed with Def Jam Recordings and became best known for their 1998 single "Cheers 2 U", which entered the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and preceded the release of their sole studio album (1998). Garrett also worked in tandem with Swing Mob cohort Timbaland to co-write Ginuwine's 1996 single "Pony" and Aaliyah's 1998 single "Are You That Somebody?", both of which saw further success at numbers six and 21 on the chart, respectively. This served as a catalyst for Garrett to continue songwriting for other artists, most extensively for the latter; this resulted in credits for her 2000 single "Try Again" and the near-entirety of her self-titled third album (2001); the releases peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200, respectively.

Career

Garrett started his producing career when he joined DeVante Swing's Swing Mob. He made a breakthrough working with R&B singer Ginuwine, writing and co-producing the 1996 song "Pony" which became a major hit and a milestone in both Garrett and Timbaland's careers. Garrett later became a member of the Def Jam group Playa, who were most known for their hit single "Cheers 2 U". Playa released an album of the same name in 1998.
After working with Ginuwine, Garrett assisted in producing songs for Nicole Wray for her 1998 debut album, Make It Hot. He would eventually become the lead songwriter for Aaliyah. His songwriting collaborations with Aaliyah include: "Are You That Somebody?", which was featured on the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack, and the Romeo Must Die soundtrack singles "Come Back in One Piece" and "Try Again" (her only Billboard Hot 100 number-one single). The songs "More than a Woman", "We Need a Resolution", "Rock the Boat", "Loose Rap" (which he was also featured on), "Extra Smooth", "I Refuse", "Read Between the Lines", "Those Were the Days", and "Never No More" were all featured on her third and final studio album Aaliyah.
In 2005, Garrett collaborated with R&B group Pretty Ricky on their song "Juicy". He was featured on Lil Wayne's chart-topping 2008 song "Lollipop", which he co-wrote. The music video for "Lollipop" was dedicated to his memory.
Garrett once reflected on where his inspiration came from, saying "I stay in the streets, that's where I draw my inspiration [...] If it can't be played in the hood, then it just doesn't work for me. And nobody can hold me in harmony. My whole aura is not your typical R&B aura."

Death

Garrett died at age 33 at the Baptist Hospital East in Louisville, Kentucky, on February 25, 2008, from complications of a medical procedure. Earlier that day, Garrett had felt extremely sick and went back to his hometown to seek medical attention. According to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office, he went into respiratory arrest and bled to death after the removal of a catheter that was improperly inserted into his neck. After his sudden death, Garrett's wife alleged medical negligence.

Posthumous releases

Garrett was featured posthumously on Drake's 2018 song "After Dark", which peaked at number 41 on the Hot 100.
In 2020, Garrett was featured alongside Bryson Tiller on Jack Harlow's "Luv Is Dro", from his debut album Thats What They All Say.The track is largely a reworking of Static's own song "Love Is Dro", which had been previously released in 2018.
On December 17, 2021, a new posthumous single from Aaliyah was released, titled "Poison". The song featured The Weeknd, who was credited as a co-writer alongside Garrett and Belly. "Poison" contains vocals recorded by Aaliyah shortly before her death in 2001. Garrett can be heard delivering background vocals.

Guest appearances

1995 "Gin & Juice" (with Da Bassment Crew)
1998 "What Cha Talkin' Bout"; "Put 'Em On" (with Timbaland & Magoo) on Tim's Bio: Life from da Bassment
1999 "Say My Name (Timbaland Remix)" (with Destiny's Child) on Turn It Up: The Remix Collection
2000 "Change the Game" (with Jay-Z) on The Dynasty: Roc La Familia
2001 "Loose Rap" (with Aaliyah) on Aaliyah
2001 "Indian Carpet"; "People Like Myself"; "I Am Music" (with Timbaland & Magoo) on Indecent Proposal
2004 "I Came to Bring the Pain" (with Lil' Flip) on U Gotta Feel Me
2005 "Juicy" (with Pretty Ricky) on Bluestars
2007 "Good Weather Music (Never Thought)" (with T-Hud) on Undrafted
2009 "Gotta Get Me One" (with Twista) on Category F5
2021 "Body Rock" (with 5AM) on You're Going To Be Fine
2023 "Nobody Else" (with EST Gee) on El Toro 2