Phife Dawg Has Passed Away

Image via MySpace

UPDATE: The family of A Tribe Called Quest member, Phife, also known as Malik I. Taylor, has released a statement announcing that he has died, aged 45.

“We regret to share the news that on Tuesday March 22nd, 2016, Malik has passed away due to complications resulting from diabetes.

Malik was our loving husband, father, brother and friend. 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.”

Dion Liverpool, his manager adds, “While I mourn the loss of my best friend and brother, I also will celebrate his incredible life and contribution to many people’s ears across the world. Even with all his success, I have never met a person as humble as he. He taught me that maintaining a positive attitude and outlook can conquer anything. Now my brother is resting in greatness. I’m honored to have crossed paths with him. Riddim Kidz 4eva.”

2016 continues to be the year when legends are taken away from us too soon.

It has been reported that Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest passed away early this morning (March 23). He was only 45. Multiple sources close to the late rapper have confirmed the news via Twitter.

Born Malik Isaac Taylor, Phife was also known as the “Five Foot Assassin” or “The Five Footer” because he stood at at 5’3″. He and the rest of A Tribe Called Quest only recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of ATCQ’s incredibly influential debut album, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.

This is a developing story. R.I.P. Phife.

The post Phife Dawg Has Passed Away appeared first on Pigeons & Planes.

More from Pigeons & Planes

• Watch Kendrick Lamar Pay Tribute to Phife Dawg During a Show

• Listen to Mac Miller’s Tribute to Phife Dawg

• A Tribe Called Quest Says Lou Reed Got All the Money from “Can I Kick It?”