The music world is in mourning, hip hop legend and founding member of A Tribe Called Quest, Phife Dawg, has died at the age of 45.
Phife (born Malik Taylor), who famously labeled himself “the Funky Diabetic” in several Tribe songs, had battled with ill health in recent years and underwent a kidney transplant in 2008, following renal failure due to diabetes complications. He went on to become a diabetes advocate and shared his story in the 2012 documentary Beats, Rhymes and Life.
Fans and celebrities took to twitter to honor Phife’s legacy.
#ATribeCalledQuest music bangs forever but as human beings Phife Tip ALI Jar are even better. #RestInBeatsPHIFE pic.twitter.com/SdAhvVt8UR
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) March 23, 2016
#RIPPhifeDawg A relatable, influential heavyweight in hip-hop and an avid Knicks fan. pic.twitter.com/kai9gQg528
— Knicks Nation (@KnicksNationNet) March 23, 2016
RIP Phife Dog…. We appreciate U G!!!! pic.twitter.com/NA5PQbzP3z
— T.I. (@Tip) March 23, 2016
Can I kick it? #RIPPhifeDawg thank you for all of your contributions to hip hop – you’ll always be remembered.
— Eve (@TheRealEve) March 23, 2016
