The music industry is mourning the death of songwriter LaShawn Daniels, who worked with some of the biggest names in the business. He also wrote a string of hits, including Brandy and Monica‘s “The Boy is Mine.” He was 41 years old.
CNN reports that his publicist, JoJo Pada, says Daniels’ cause of death was a car accident. People like Dawn Richard, who worked with Daniels in the group Dirty Money with Sean “Diddy” Combs and Kalenna Harper, sent a message.
“Yooooo I’m lost. Lashawn Daniels died?!!!! I’m stuck,” tweeted Richard on Tuesday. “This man took my vocal ability to new levels while working in Dirty Money. One of the funniest people with the best heart. A rare talent and a beautiful soul.”
Daniels worked extensively with producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, and some of the other hits he penned include Destiny Child‘s “Say My Name,” which he won a Grammy for in 2001. Daniels wrote Whitney Houston‘s “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay,” as well, along with Ciara‘s “Can’t Leave ’em Alone.”
Other songs written by Daniels include Toni Braxton‘s “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” Jennifer Lopez‘s “If You Had My Love” and “Love and War” by Tamar Braxton, which he was seen working on in the We TV reality show “Tamar and Vince.” The song was nominated for a Grammy in 2013 and won a Soul Train award as well.
Other artists like Kirk Franklin also acknowledged Daniels’ passing.
“The entire music community is feeling the loss of one of the greatest to ever do it….. LaShawnDaniels…we just stood together a week ago. No words,” Franklin tweeted on Wednesday.
The singer Kehlani sent a message as well.
“We was supposed go crazy next week… appreciate you for f–kin wit me OG.. your legacy will never be forgotten! this sh-t crazy! RIP Lashawn Daniels.”
On Wednesday, a statement was posted on Daniels’ wife’s Instagram page.
“It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, family member and friend LaShawn Daniels, who was the victim of a fatal car accident in South Carolina,” it read. “We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the continuous outpouring of love and sympathy.”
Daniels, who’s a New Jersey native, is survived by his wife April Daniels and their three boys, Omarr, Tahshon and Jett.
Here are five songs written and produced by Daniels.
