Malik B, the founding member of The Roots, has died at 47

Malik B, a rapper and founding member of The Roots, has died. He was 47.

The group introduced the dying of the Philadelphia-born emcee in a social media post-Wednesday. The trigger of dying was not launched.

Malik B, whose actual identify is Malik Abdul Basit, was a serious contributor to the group, which incorporates Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter. He appeared on 4 albums earlier than departing the group in 1999. The group gained its first Grammy the following 12 months.

The Roots, who additionally carry out as the home band on Jimmy Fallon’s “Tonight Present,” paid homage to Malik B for his rap abilities and religion.

“We regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and very long time Roots member Malik Abdul Basit,” the group mentioned on Twitter. “Might he be remembered for his devotion to Islam and innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time. We ask that you simply please respect his household in our time of mourning.”

Malik B returned as a featured visitor on the group’s 2006 album “Sport Concept” and “Rising Down” in 2008. As a solo artist, he launched two studio albums named “Avenue Assault” and “Unpredictable.”