Late Wednesday evening, the news of the passing of one of this generation’s most revered soul singers, Teddy Pendergrass was a shock to many people, including myself. Early reports were posted on social networks like Twitter and Facebook, and just like with the death of Michael Jackson this past year, the news was at first abrupt and unbelievable.

However, unlike Michael, it appeared that the man affectionately known as Teddy P had been ill for awhile and having difficulty in recovering from a recent colon cancer surgery he had undergone. Ultimately, it was those complications that led to TP’s passing.

Although he had officially retired from music in 2006, Teddy’s influence can be found in many hip-hop songs of both today and yesteryear. I’ve put together a short list of my favorites in his honor. While I’m sure he will be missed by his family and closest friends, his music will continue to live on.

Teddy Pendergrass – Easy, Easy, Got To Take It Easy

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Little Brother – Not Enough

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Teddy Pendergrass – Can’t We Try

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Ghostface Killah – Camay

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Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes – I Miss You

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Jay-Z – This Can’t Be Life

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Teddy Pendergrass – Let Me Love You

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I-20 – Hennessey & Hydro

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Teddy Pendergrass – Love T.K.O.

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Ahmad – Back In The Day

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Those are my favorites. It was tough picking between the last two, but I felt like I had to give the edge to Ahmad mostly based on the strength of his usage of the sample. It helped to introduce Teddy P to a whole new generation of kids, and over time his song has become a classic in its own right.

Rest In Peace, Teddy!