The Hip Hop world was dealt a shocking blow on Wednesday (March 23) when it was revealed that A Tribe Called Quest founding member, Malik Taylor bka Phife Dawg died at the age of 45 due to complications resulting from diabetes.
According to reports, the rapper who is 1/3 of the iconic group, had been struggling with ill health and diabetes for several years, and received a kidney transplant from his wife in 2008.
“Malik was our loving husband, father, brother and friend,” his family said in a statement. “We love him dearly. How he impacted all our lives will never be forgotten. His love for music and sports was only surpassed by his love of God and family.”
Last November, the group reissued their debut album People’s Instinctive with new and revamped versions of their classic songs as the first of a massive reissue campaign. They also visited Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show for a performance of their single “Can I Kick It?” — their first televised performance in 15 years. That appearance would end up being the group’s last as a trio.
