(Newser)
– Malik B, a rapper and founding member of The Roots, has died. He was 47 years old. The group announced the death of the Philadelphia-born ringmaster in a social media post Wednesday, AP reports. The cause of death was not disclosed. Malik B, whose real name is Malik Abdul Basit, was one of the group’s main contributors, which includes Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter. It appeared on four albums before leaving the group in 1999. The group won their first Grammy the following year. The Roots, who also act as the house band on Jimmy Fallon Tonight’s show, paid tribute to Malik B for his rap talents and faith.
“We regret to inform you of the death of our beloved brother and Roots member, Malik Abdul Basit,” the group said on Twitter. “May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam and innovation as one of the most talented MCs of all time. We ask that you respect your family in our time of mourning. “Malik B returned as a featured guest on the group’s 2006 album Game theory and Rising up in 2008. As a solo artist, he released two studio albums called Street assault and Unpredictable.
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