Two legends in one weekend… this is heartbreaking. Soul legend Isaac Hayes passed away today at the age of 65 from an apparent heart attack.
Hayes was one of the main creative forces behind southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served as both an in-house songwriter and producer with partner David Porter during the mid-1960s. In the late 1960s, Hayes became a recording artist, and recorded successful soul albums such as Hot Buttered Soul (1969) and Black Moses (1971) as the Stax label’s premier artist.
In Hip Hop, he has collaborated with RZA and Wu-Tang Clan on “I Can’t Go To Sleep”, Ice Cube on “I Gotta Say What Up!!!” and Guru on “Night Vision”. His work has also been sampled on more hip hop tracks than we have room to mention.
In Pop culture, the musician and actor is best remembered for his work scoring the 1971 film Shaft and his longtime voice of Chef on South Park. Earlier this month, Hayes was touring with former label-mates Eddie Floyd and The Bar-Kays. Ironically, he had also been working with Bernie Mac in the Malcolm Lee film Soul Men.
Mr. Hayes you will be missed. You have left an imprint on hip hop, funk, soul, and pop culture as a whole. Our condolences go out to family and friends.
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damn, man. i’m really sad right now.
RIP Issac Hayes !!
R.I.P. Issac Hayes. When i heard about it i just had to bang out the wu tang “i cant go to sleep” joint and zone out on some mad depressed shit. He was and Icon, inspiration and a master of his craft. He will be missed severely.
Walk with God Issac Walk with God.