R&B singer-songwriter Leon Haywood dies at 74

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Leon Haywood, the silky smooth R&B singer-songwriter and producer whose 1975 single “I Want’a Do Something Freaky to You” was famously sampled by Dr. Dre and others, has died. He was 74.

Haywood’s godson Darnell “OG Cuicide” Price said he died in his sleep Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Haywood’s “I Want’a Do Something Freaky to You” served as the groovy hook on the Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg duet “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang.” The song was also featured in 50 Cent’s “Corner Bodega,” Aaliyah’s “I Gotcha Back” and Redman’s “Rockafella.”

Haywood’s other hits included “It’s Got to Be Mellow,” ”Keep It in the Family” and “Don’t Push It Don’t Force It.”

Born in Houston, Texas, Haywood began his career as a blues musician performing with the likes of Guitar Slim and Big Jay McNeely before achieving success in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s in the soul, R&B and funk genres.

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This story was revised to correct that Haywood died Tuesday.