Hip Hop Mourns The Loss Of Soul-Funk Legend Frankie Beverly.
Singer and songwriter Frankie Beverly, who fronted the soul/funk band Maze, has died at 77, his family announced.
“He lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better,” the family wrote. “He lived for his music, family and friends. Love one another as he would want that for us all.”
“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” his family wrote in a message posted to the official Instagram account of Frankie Beverly and Maze. “During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way.”
View this post on Instagram
Born on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Beverly’s musical career began in the 1960s with his doo-wop group, The Blenders. Later, he formed a soul group called The Butlers, which saw some regional success.
In the early 1970s, Beverly relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area and formed Maze. The band’s big break came when Marvin Gaye, a fan of Beverly’s sound, invited them to tour as his opening act. In 1977, Maze released their debut album, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, which included the hits “Happy Feelin’s” and “While I’m Alone.”
Known for their smooth blend of soul, funk, and R&B, Maze became a staple of the ’70s and ’80s music scene, producing classic songs like “Joy and Pain,” “Before I Let Go,” and “Golden Time of Day.”
In 2009, his son, Anthony, organized a tribute album for his father titled “Silky Soul Music… an All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.” Mary J. Blige, Kenneth Brian Edmonds (Babyface) and Mint Condition were among the artists who appeared on the album.
These are just a few examples of artists who have sampled his music:
I Need You (1978)
by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Producer credit: Frankie Beverly
was sampled in
Hustler’s Ambition by 50 Cent (2005)
Talk to Em by Jeezy (2005)
I Need U by Lil Boosie and Webbie (2003)
Before I Let Go (1981)
by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Producer credit: Frankie Beverly
was sampled in
Get Right Back to My Baby by Vivian Green (2014)
The Rhyme by Keith Murray (1996)
was covered in
Before I Let Go by Beyoncé (2019)
We Are One (1983)
by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Producer credit: Frankie Beverly
was sampled in
California by Colonel Loud feat. T.I., Young Dolph and Ricco Barrino (2015)
Hittin’ Donutz in Tha Streetz by Tha Dogg Pound (2005)
Better Days by WC feat. Ron Banks (1998)
Happy Feelin’s (1977)
by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Producer credit: Frankie Beverly
was sampled in
Can U Get Away by 2Pac (1995)
All Feelin by Ab-Soul (2010)
was covered in
Happy Feelings by Ledisi (2009)
Joy and Pain (1980)
by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Producer credit: Frankie Beverly
was sampled in
Joy and Pain by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock feat. Omar Chandler (1988)
Spring Water by La the Darkman feat. Raekwon (1998)
Popularity by Dom Kennedy (2018)
While I’m Alone (1977)
by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Producer credit: Frankie Beverly
was sampled in
G-funk by Nate Dogg (1997)
Cause I’m a Playa by Project Pat and Pimp C (2006)
U Can’t Trust No Ho by Tim Smooth (1991)
Can’t Get Over You (1989)
by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Producer credit: Frankie Beverly
was sampled in
Best Night Ever by Wale feat. Rick Ross and Kevin Cossom (2011)
Come Back Home by Dom Kennedy (2008)
was covered in
Can’t Get Over You by Joe (2009)
Southern Girl (1980)
by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Producer credit: Frankie Beverly
was sampled in
Can’t Hang by Xscape (1995)
MVP by Dom Kennedy and Jason Madison (2012)
That Girl by Erick Sermon feat. Big K.R.I.T. and Ricco Barrino (2019)
Joy and Pain (Live in Los Angeles) (1986)
by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Producer credit: Frankie Beverly
was sampled in
Go Ahead in the Rain by A Tribe Called Quest (1990)
Ain’t It Strange (1979)
by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Producer credit: Frankie Beverly
was sampled in
Words to My First Born by Nutt-So feat. 2Pac (1996)
Right on Time (1983)
by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Producer credit: Frankie Beverly
was sampled in
Never 2 Far by Eminem (1996)
Same Tip Drums Minus the Pass by J Dilla (2000)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Thank U #FrankieBeverly. He did that. ✊🏾
Much #respect, sustained. R.I.P. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/KqdKlZBVGl— FunK (@DaMFunK) September 11, 2024
R.I.P. Frankie Beverly!
Playing “Before I let go” at a silent party a few years ago >>>
— DJ R-Tistic (@DJRTistic) September 11, 2024
Way back when I made subpar beats I actually thought I caught a body when I sampled Golden Time of Day.. RIP 🙏🏾🕊️ pic.twitter.com/B51JFiSMK5
— Crook 🏴🏳️🏴 (@CrookedIntriago) September 11, 2024
The legend Frankie Beverly has passed. My condolence goes out to him and his family Fans in these difficult times. As a DJ, I played his music you know his music the party started. As a performer, I looked up to him because he was the standard to a long lasting career that… pic.twitter.com/nPS8i0KQz9
— Luther Luke Campbell (@unclelukereal1) September 11, 2024
rest in heavenly peace frankie beverly ✨ pic.twitter.com/rIGoq7rtxh
— MAXWELL (@_MAXWELL_) September 11, 2024
We lost a big piece of our soul & grit when we lost Frankie Beverly!😰His power on stage, captivated millions of fans. Prayer’s going out to his Family & Friends.🙏We all will miss u big brother.
Bootsy baby!!!🤩 #Frankiebeverley pic.twitter.com/rzwpZUdPaw— Bootsy Collins (@Bootsy_Collins) September 11, 2024
