LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Known for some chart-topping hits like Lil Wayne’s ‘Lollipop’ and ‘Are You That Somebody?’ with Aaliyah, Stephen Garrett was a Grammy Award winning artist, songwriter, and producer.
More popularly known as Static Major, he was also a Louisville native.
Edith Garrett Raymond, Stephen’s mother, said they lived in the Russell neighborhood and that “music always ran through our house.” When he was 6 years old, she said Stephen sang on a local Gospel show.
She knew Stephen had talent, but never in her wildest dreams did she think he would become a national and international star.
“He was a natural,” Avonti Garrett, Stephen’s widow, said. “He loved the microphone, and the microphone loved him.”
Avonti oversees Major Styles Entertainment and handles both Static Major’s catalog and requests from other artists wanting to use his music.
She said she still feels his presence to this day.
“I think he wakes me up at night,” Avonti said. “Saying, ‘I need for you to do this.’ He was always a relentless person. He was gonna get to the top.”
Static Major worked with Dr. Dre, Nas, Ginuwine, Nicole Wray and of course his three-member group, Playa.
The Louisville natives had a successful career; one of their major hits, ‘Cheers 2 U’ released in 1998 and it currently has over 13 million YouTube views.
Both women said they have worked for years to get Stephen honored, and they agreed the Hometown Hero banner was long overdue.
Roots 101 Museum also has an exhibit dedicated to the artist.
“I believe in miracles,” Avonti said. “So, yes, I did think it would come. I think this is amazing to have a banner and also a museum where you can come and learn about him.”
Static Major's family said he lived a life full of love and music.
“Music is like breathing," Avonti said. "That was his motto. It was easy for him.”
“I wish he was here to see this," Avonti said. "To see and experience this. So, its been bittersweet. I wish he was here, but I know he's smiling down.”
Stephen ‘Static Major’ Garrett died on February 25, 2008, at the age of 33 in Louisville.
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