Jazz and R&B Musician James Mtume Passes Away at 76

According to reports, legendary jazz and R&B musician James Mtume has passed away at 76.

Philadelphia-born Mtume is best known for his 1983 hit single “Juicy Fruit,” which was sampled by Notorious B.I.G. for his breakout song “Juicy.” Following in the lineage of his father— legendary jazz musician Jimmy Heath, Mtume worked with other artists like Miles Davis, Pharaoh Sanders, Lonnie Liston Smith Jr., and more.

His work as a producer is a great one too, as he created tracks for Stephanie Mills like “Never Knew Love Like This Before” and the classic “The Closer I Get To You” for Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack. His work didn’t stop there, as he was credited on songs for Mary J. Blige, K-Ci and Jo-Jo, and more.

James Mtume’s passing was confirmed by his son Faulu Mtume. Condolences to the family of Mtume.

Source: Yahoo.com