For more than 45 years, singer, songwriter, and musician Bobby Caldwell blurred the lines of genre with a celebrated, multi-platinum catalog of music that wove together Jazz, R&B, and Soul. Much of that music was inspired by the complexities of romantic relationships. Bobby passed away this week at age 71, following reports of an extended, undisclosed illness. Dâm-Funk, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Questlove, Cosmo Baker, and others have mourned the musician online.

While Smooth Jazz and Adult Contemporary playlists lauded the music, which includes hits “What You Won’t Do For Love,” “Coming Down From Love,” and “All Of My Love,” Hip-Hop and R&B producers gave Caldwell’s music another life entirely.

Here’sAa Gorgeous Mash-Up Of J Dilla, Common, Dwele & Bobby Caldwell (Audio)

Producers Soulshock and Karlin gave Tupac one of his first posthumous hits, “Do For Love,” sampling Caldwell in its music and reworking his chorus. That same Caldwell original provided vocal elements for Aaliyah’s breakthrough “Age Ain’t Nothin’ But A Number.” In 1997, the same year as Pac’s song, Biggie Smalls’ “Sky’s The Limit” (as produced by DJ Clark Kent) with 112 was based around Bobby’s “My Flame.”

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