Hip hop artist Malik Abdul Basit, a.k.a. Malik B., has sadly passed away at age 47.
The Roots made the announcement via Twitter yesterday, accompanied by a tribute to the Philadelphian rapper.
Tributes are flooding in from fans, colleagues, and the music world following the passing of Malik B. The artist was most well known for his founding role in The Roots.
“We regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and long time Roots member Malik Abdul Basit,” the group’s announcement read. “May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam and innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time. We ask that you please respect his family in our time of mourning.” The cause of Basit’s death has yet to be released.
We regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and long time Roots member Malik Abdul Basit. May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam and innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time. We ask that you please respect his family in our time of mourning pic.twitter.com/NVHtb2CFWP
— The Roots (@theroots) July 29, 2020
Founding The Roots along with Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter and Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, Basit would go on to appear on the group’s first four albums throughout the ’90s. The artist then went on to release one solo album and an EP before returning to the hip-hop group for their 2006 album Game Theory. Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter posted a tribute in rhyme to his late partner on Instagram:
Such a sad loss. A short life but one which had a huge impact on so many around the world. Will dig out some vinyl to celebrate The roots.
— post muzik (@postmuzik) July 29, 2020
“We made a name and carved a lane together where there was none,” Trotter’s tribute read. “We resurrected a city from the ashes, put it on our backs and called it Illadelph. In friendly competition with you from day one, I always felt as if I possessed only a mere fraction of your true gift and potential. “
“My beloved brother M-illitant. I can only hope to have made you as proud as you made me. The world lost a real one. May Allah pardon you, forgive your sins and grant you the highest level of paradise.”
Read the full post below:
