R&B singer-songwriter Leon Haywood, famous for writing tune sampled by Dr. Dre, dies at 74 in Los Angeles

  • Leon Haywood died in his sleep Tuesday, his godson confirmed
  • Dr. Dre famously sampled Haywood in 1992 hit 'Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang' 
  • Haywood began his career as a blues musician in the 1960s  

By Associated Press

Published: 22:12 EST, 6 April 2016 | Updated: 00:17 EST, 7 April 2016

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.' 

R&B singer Leon Haywood died in his sleep Tuesday, his godson confirmed

R&B singer Leon Haywood died in his sleep Tuesday, his godson confirmed

Leon Haywood worked as a musician since the 1960s, and had his biggest hit with the 1975 single 'I Want'a Do Something Freaky to You'

Leon Haywood worked as a musician since the 1960s, and had his biggest hit with the 1975 single 'I Want'a Do Something Freaky to You'

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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