R&B and Jazz Legend James Mtume Has Passed Away At 76

Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and activist, James “Mtume” Forman has passed away at 76.

Lisa Lucas, daughter of James’ songwriting partner the late Reggie Lucas, confirmed the news on Twitter.

“So much loss. So much grief. Rest in power to Uncle Mtume. My late father’s partner-in-crime[.] The co-creator of the songs of my life (and about my birth!). He was [an] essential part of the life of the man who made me, therefore me too. Gone now. He will be dearly, eternally missed.”

A cause of death hasn’t been revealed.

James, real name James Foreman, added: “Mtume” to his stage name, meaning “messenger” in Swahili, while he was a part of a Black Empowerment organization in 1966.

He started his career in the 1970s as a percussionist and did projects with the legendary musician Miles Davis. His music catalog grew when he became a songwriter and work with artists such as Duke Ellington, Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Pendergrass and Mary J. Blige.

After his success in the jazz world, Mtume then made a name in R&B. He begin writing hit songs Reggie. They wrote Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway’s smash hit, “The Closer I Get to You,” Stephanie Mills’ Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Never Knew Love Like This”, which won a Grammy for best R&B song and best female vocal R&B performance.

James also formed R&B group Mtume — most recognized for the 1983 hit “Juicy Fruit.”

The track was later sampled by the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. in 1994 with his song “Juicy.”

James Mtume Forman is survived by his children Damu Mtume and Fa Mtume.

Sending condolences to his family. Rest in power, king.