Malik B, real name Malik Abdul Basit, has died aged 47.
News of the rapper’s passing was confirmed by his band in a statement shared on Instagram.
The Instagram post, which was shared on Wednesday, read: “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.”
His cousin Don B also confirmed the news of Malik B’s death in a post shared on Twitter.
American rapper Malik B has died aged 47
He tweeted: “Mourning my beloved cousin today.
“He was so talented and had a huge heart. I still remember when he and The Roots were starting out. He’d give me and my dad their cassette tapes to listen to. I miss you already, Malik.”
No cause of death has been confirmed at this stage.
Malik was an American singer and rapper at the founding member of band The Roots and was considered a Philadelphia legend.
The band were originally known as Square Roots and saw Malik B perform alongside Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson and Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter.
He appeared on the group’s first four albums released by the band, but departed after in 1999.
Malik B was one of the founding members of The Roots
Malik B went on to pursue a solo career but reunited with the group years later.
He starred as a featured artist on the albums Game Theory and Rising Down two years later.
Rapper Blueprint paid tribute to the late music artist on Twitter.
He penned: “Rest in Peace to Malik B of The Roots.
“Step into The Realm’ from Things Fall Apart was always one of my favorite performances from him.”
He added: “One more classic verse from Malik B from “Distortion to Static.” “Now go get your dictionary and your dictionary…” RIP”
Fans have also been flocking to social media to share their heartbreak over the news of Malik B’s passing.
One social networker wrote: “F***. Rest in power Malik B. Thank you for all the music you left us with.”
While another continued: “RIP Malik B.”
A third added: “Rest in power to the legend.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
