Malik B., Rapper And Founding Member Of The Roots, Dead At 47

Malik B., longtime member and one of the founders of the legendary group The Roots has passed away, according to their Instagram post.

View this post 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. 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.

A post shared by The Roots (@theroots) on Jul 29, 2020 at 12:04pm PDT

Philadelphia native Malik Basit, linked up in the early 90’s with the Square Roots drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and fellow MC Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, who became friends with Malik while the two were students at Millersville University.

Black Thought shared words about his friend on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDPLu1nFpft/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

After changing their name to the Roots, the group released their 1993 album Organix, which was followed by their breakout major label debut, 1995’s Do You Want More?!!!??!

Although Malik B. left the Roots at the turn of the millennium, the rapper continued to make guest appearances on the group’s albums

The cause of death hasn’t been revealed.

Sending condolences to the family and The Roots. Rest in peace, Malik.