LOS ANGELES — Leon Haywood, a silky smooth R&B singer-songwriter and producer, has died at 74.

Haywood’s godson Darnell Price said he died in his sleep.

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.”

The song was also featured in 50 Cent’s “Corner Bodega.”

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 1960s, ’70s and ’80s in the soul, R&B and funk genres.

By The Associated Press