Founder Member Of The Roots, Malik B Dead At 47

Malik B, a founding member of The Roots, has passed away at 47 years of age.

The hip-hop community is mourning the passing of Malik B, a founding member of The Roots.

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

The Roots shared a classic photo to honor their Fallen Brother Malik B, an integral part of the group’s early success. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Malik Abdul Basit was apart of the group from 1987-1989. Additionally, the emcee got respect from some of the best to ever do it. However, he never got the recognization to match his talent.

Prominent members of the Hip-hop community have been pouring their condolences online, including Black Thought.

We made a name and carved a lane together where there was none. We ressurected a city from the ashes, put it on our backs and called it Illadelph. In friendly competition with you from day one, I always felt as if I possessed only a mere fraction of your true gift and potential. Your steel sharpened my steel as I watched you create cadences from the ether and set them free into the universe to become poetic law, making the English language your bitch. I always wanted to change you, to somehow sophisticate your outlook and make you see that there were far more options than the streets, only to realize that you and the streets were one… and there was no way to separate a man from his true self.

My beloved brother M-illitant. I can only hope to have made you as proud as you made me. The world just lost a real one. May Allah pardon you, forgive your sins and grant you the highest level of paradise. #MalikB #TheLegendaryRootsCrew

A post shared by Black Thought (@blackthought) on Jul 29, 2020 at 12:10pm PDT

How do you think Malik B’s career would have been having stayed with the Roots?

Lastly, leave your condolences for Malik B in the comment section!