One of the founding members of Hip Hop’s legendary groups, The Roots, has died. Malik B was only 47 years old. It’s unclear what caused his death, neither the band nor Malik’s family have released details. Malik B help start the group along with Questlove and Black Thought in the late 80’s. Malik appeared on four of the group’s albums before he distanced himself in the 2000s. His most notable appearances was on “Organix,” “Do You Want More?!!!??!,” “Illadelph Halflife” and “Things Fall Apart.”
The group posted a tribute on Instagram, “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.” They added, “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.”
Black Thought also went on to post a long tribute on his Instagram, “We made a name and carved a lane together where there was none. We ressurected a city from the ashes, put it on our backs and called it Illadelph.”
