Unfortunately ILOSM family, we have sad news to report. We’ve lost another Old School legend- R&B/jazz producer/musician/singer/songwriter, Kashif, has passed away at the age of 56 years young. There aren’t many details surrounding the cause of his death but he was reportedly found unresponsive inside of his California home by friends.

Via Billboard: Kashif, the innovative songwriter/producer behind hits by Whitney Houston and Evelyn “Champagne” King — and a popular solo artist in his own right — has died. The 59-year-old passed away in his Playa del Rey, Calif. home on Sunday (Sept. 25) of undetermined causes.

Kashif started his professional career as a music artist at the age of 15 with funk group, BT Express…

But then he ventured out on his own and that’s when a whole new world opened up for him on so many levels. He’s worked with everyone from Whitney Houston, to Stevie Wonder, to Al Jarreau, to Stephanie Mills, Johnny Kemp, Meli’sa Morgan, George Duke, Duke Ellington and the list goes on and on and on.

Kashif’s life started off rough, but he turned it around into something beautiful. By the time he was four months old he was placed in foster care after his birth mother was believed to have been incarcerated at that time.

According to several reports, Kashif never met his birth mother after that and his only connection to her was his birth certificate that shows he was born as Michael Jones in Harlem, NY. He was allegedly repeatedly mentally and physically abused by one set of foster parents, but by the age of six, he was moved into a much more stable foster home, where he then discovered his love for music. Kashif was a kid with a dream and an undying passion, who never gave up on himself and ultimately became a pioneer in R&B and jazz. His legacy will live on through his work…gone but never forgotten. Rest easy Kashif, after a job well done here on earth.

We will keep you all posted as we get more details regarding how Kashif died. In the meantime join the many celebs who have paid their respects to Kashif on Twitter and also join us in reminiscing to the many jams he blessed us with throughout the 80’s and 90’s…

CELEBRITIES PAY HOMAGE TO KASHIF ON TWITTER

RIP to my dear friend…..KASHIF!!!
Soul Train 87' Performance – Kashif and Meli'sa Morgan – Love Changes! https://t.co/oBS1nXQB2E

— Meli'sa Morgan (@MelisaMorgan22) September 27, 2016

RIP Kashif…. So much beautiful music. The one songwriter/producer I wish I had the opportunity to work with. Thank you for your gift.🙏🏽

— Deborah Cox (@Deborah_Cox) September 27, 2016

Heaven is being filled with the blesset souls she loaned to us. Another one changed frequencies: Mr. Kashif… https://t.co/EF0NO3HLpM

— Bootsy Collins (@Bootsy_Collins) September 27, 2016

REST my soulful, gifted foster brother, KASHIF. "There are no beaten paths to Glory's height…" -Paul Laurence Dunbar

— Victoria Rowell (@victoriarowell) September 27, 2016

RIP my brotha! Kashif 😔🙏🏾 https://t.co/8am18YCdZV

— PETEROCK.COM (@PeteRock) September 27, 2016

Another huge loss to the music industry in my friend Kashif. He wrote and produced so many hits… Will miss you big brother. #RIPKashif pic.twitter.com/ziCDr95ZjZ

— Kenny Lattimore (@kennylattimore) September 27, 2016

Once again it's hard to say goodbye to a friend. Prayers and condolences for Kashif. His… https://t.co/7dPkFIGt6a

— Najee (@NajeeOfficial) September 27, 2016

Man don't tell me Kashif gone! https://t.co/R0ZAHDg4O5

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) September 27, 2016

A SMALL SAMPLE OF KASHIF’S BROAD MUSICAL LEGACY…

WHITNEY HOUSTON “YOU GIVE GOOD LOVE” (produced by Kashif)

“SHAME” EVELYN CHAMPAGNE KING (produced and written by Kashif)

“I JUST GOTTA HAVE YOU” KASHIF