Madlib and his younger brother Oh No experienced a profound loss on April 13, with members of Stones Throw Records taking to Instagram on Sunday (May 1) to announce the pair’s father, Otis Lee Jackson, Sr., had passed away.
“RIP Mr Jackson!” Lootpack lyricist Wildchild wrote in his Instagram shoutout. “This Gentleman here was the 1st meaning of support for me! He was my (Equalizer) ‘This ain’t yo house, Get yo feet off my couch Jack, but make yourself at home but realize this ain’t your home so respect my shit!’ Lol I didn’t get that til later in life.”
He continued, “He wasn’t my father but gave guidance as a father figure would do. He was there when Lootpack was first formed. He was our first manager as our crew CDP was developing. He and Mrs Jackson (RIP) were both there when I decided to propose to my wife @cyndeebrown . I witnessed how he supported his sons @ohnothedisrupt & @madlib as we jumped into HIPHOP. For that I will always be thankful. May you rest in Heaven Mr Jackson.”
Eothen Alapatt, otherwise known as the former General Manager of Stones Throw Records Egon also wrote a heartfelt tribute to Madlib and Oh No’s deceased patriarch.
“I knew him nearly as long as I’ve known Madlib and Oh No, and any that know the brothers, and so many of their compatriots, know that they got their start in music because of Otis’s, and his wife Sinesca’s, belief in their musical excellence,” Egon wrote. “He should be one to know – he was a soul singer of high regard, the kind of singer who even impressed the great David Axelrod, who, in our first meeting, was effusive in his praise for Madlib’s dad.”
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Otis Lee Jackson, Sr. was an established soul singer, working with notable legends over the years with Tina Turner, Bobby “Blue” Bland and Johnnie Taylor. He released numerous singles throughout the 1970’s, including 1974’s “Beggin’ for a Broken Heart” and “Message to the Ghetto.” In 2006, he finally released his full-length debut album The Art of Love.
Madlib has yet to react online to his father’s passing, and Oh No merely reshared Egon’s kind words to his own profile.
Madlib and Oh No, who’ve worked together on numerous occasions, recently collaborated in a more official capacity under the rap alias The Professionals. The pair dropped a self-titled debut under the moniker in 2020. The Professionals featured appearances from Elzhi, Freddie Gibbs, The Alchemist, Chino XL and Adub.
HipHopDX sends its condolences to Madlib and Oh No’s families during this difficult time.
Read the full eulogies below.
Rip. A message to everybody, enjoy and spend time with your loved ones, especially your parents, as we never know what may come around the corner.
R.i.p.
Wow it’s unfortunate he passes on the same day they’re supposed to drop the Black Star album he produced.
R.I.P. to pops. Both of these guys are national treasures as far as I’m concerned. I can only imagine the influence their dad had on them musically. Thank you for putting these two great minds into existence sir. I can’t count the times a Madlib or Oh No song or beat has cheered me up when I was in a bad place, or made a gold moment even better with that dopamine kick of a beat banging. Big hugs out to both of these brothers. The king has transcended to a better place. You will be reunited on the other side.