The Hip-Hop community is in mourning this morning, following the loss of one its most potent pioneers Phife Dawg – from A Tribe Called Quest.
Details below…
Information surrounding the specifics of his passing are still incoming, however the rapper (who was only 45) had been struggling with diabetes and overall ill-health for a number of years, and in 2008 received a kidney transplant from his wife.
Together with group members Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Phife is celebrated as a trailblazer for the early Hip-Hop movement. Indeed, A Tribe Called Quest are hailed as one of the fathers of modern rap – thanks to releases such as 1991 sophomore classic ‘Low End Theory.’
Over the years, Phife would go on to spar with bandmate Q-Tip, however the pair mended fences and the entire group re-formed last November to perform on The Tonight Show to mark the re-release of their debut album.
Plans for a 2016 solo LP were in motion, yet it appears this sadly won’t come to fruition.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Phife’s family and friends.
RIP ????
Midnight Marauders and low end theory are iconic. RIP Legend
RIP Phife! ATCQ is one of my favorite groups ever. Watch their documentary Beats, Rhymes, and Life. It’s a great documentary about the group’s history. He and Q-Tip were legendary on the mic together. Their music is timeless!
Damn I was just listening to their Beats Rhymes and Life album last night smh. 45 is so young. RIP Malik.
A Tribe Called Quest are one of my favourite rap groups, I’m genuinely at a loss for words. Rest in Peace Phife x
He will be misses by his family and friends,love one. He too young to pass away today rip