The Roots co-founder Malik Abdul Basit, known as Malik B., has died aged 47.
The news was confirmed via the legendary hip hop group's drummer Questlove and rapper Black Thought. They said in a statement:
“It is with heavy hearts and tearful eyes that 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, His loving brotherhood and His innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time. We ask that you please respect his family and extended family in our time of mourning such a great loss.”
The Philadelphia native was a key member of the collective from the 1990s, and featured on each of the Roots' extended releases up until 1999, when he made the decision to leave for personal reasons. However, he continued to sporadically make guest appearances on the group's albums, the last being 2008's 'Rising Down'.
Black Thought also paid his respects via an Instagram post, viewable below.
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