A Tribe Called Quest member, Phife Dawg, has died aged 45 due to complications resulting from diabetes, his family has confirmed.
Rolling Stone magazine was one of the first to announce that the American rapper – real name Malik Taylor – passed away on Tuesday.
His family later released a statement which reads: “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 honoured to have crossed paths with him. Riddim Kidz 4eva.”
The family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.
Born in 1970, Phife founded A Tribe Called Quest will classmates Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad in 1985.
The hip hop group went on to produce several legendary tracks, including ‘Check the Rhyme’, ‘Bonita Applebum’, ‘I Left My Wallet in El Segundo’, ‘Electric Relaxation’ and ‘Award Tour’.
Their biggest hit came when they released Can I Kick It? in 1991.
After the group split up, they went on to reform on several occasions but never released new material.
Their last performance came when they performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in November.
In 2008, Phife had to receive a kidney transplant from his wife after being on the waiting list for two years.
He opened up about his battle with Type 1 diabetes during Michael Rapaport’s documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life.
“It’s really a sickness,” he explained.
“Like straight-up drugs. I’m just addicted to sugar.”
Phife Dawg is survived by his family, musical brothers, and legions of fans around the world.
