Malik B, founding member of The Roots and soloist, passed away. He was 47 years old.
The Philadelphia rapper’s death was first confirmed by his cousin, former CBS News correspondent Don Champion, as well as founding members Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter.
Born as Malik Abdul Baset, the rapper and singer joined The Roots before the group’s 1993 debut album “Organix”. He also appeared on the band’s next three albums, including “Want More?!”, “Illadelph Halflife” and “Things Fall Apart”.
“We regret to inform you of the death of our beloved brother and Roots member, Malik Abdul Baset,” Questlove and Black Thought said in a statement to the Post. “May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam, his loving brotherhood, and his innovation as one of the most talented MCs of all time. We ask that you respect your family and your extended family in our time of mourning for such a great loss. “
The Roots also tweeted a similar statement.
“Crying to my dear cousin today,” Champion wrote on Twitter. “He was very talented and had a big heart. I still remember when he and The Roots were starting. He gave me and my dad his cassette tapes to listen to. I miss you already, Mailk. #RIP”
“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Malik B, one of the best MCs to ever come from this city,” wrote rapper Reef The Lost Cauze, based in Philadelphia, whose real name is Sharif T. Lacey. “He had his problems for sure, but friend inspired an entire generation of us to play the microphone. Me included May he rest in peace.
Details of his death have yet to be released.
Malik B left the group in 1999 before The Roots released their fifth album, “Phrenology”. Roots member Black Thought dedicated a song to Malik B titled “Water” on the album that describes how they met.
The ringmaster was also a member of the underground rap group Army Of The Pharaohs, and later appeared as a guest artist on several Roots songs, such as “Game Theory.”
Baset also had a solo career after leaving The Roots, including an EP and two albums. His most recent was “Unpredictable” from 2016 with producer Mr. Green.
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