After a grueling battle with cancer, soul legend Teddy Pendergrass died yessterday @ the age of 59. On a personal note, I’d like to send a “thank you” into the cosmos and let Teddy know that alongside Marvin’s I Want You, no other album taught me more about love and sex – how to give and receive both – than Teddy. His baritone voice gave me that added bit of courage needed and the soothing nature of his words always put the opposite sex at ease. And together, Teddy and I managed to work magic.

Turn the lights off and rest, Teddy. You served us all well. From the looks of it now, Heaven’s choir must be set with you, Marvin and Barry holding it down.

R&B Great Teddy Pendergrass Dead at 59 After Cancer Battle [Rolling Stone]

For a few extras, Jason H. sent over these selections to give a spin on Teddy’s influence on Hip-Hop, noting a handful of notable samples featuring his work.

“Love T.K.O” sampled by Ahmad for “Back In The Day.”

“Can’t We Try” sampled by Ghostface for “Camay” (Loop begins at the :50 mark).

“Close The Door” sampled by The B.U.M.S. for “Elevation (Free My Mind).”

“Easy Easy Got to Take It Easy” sampled by Little Brother for “Not Enough” (Sample begins at the 2:12 mark).