Very sad news from the music world. Malik B., a founding member of the band The Roots, has died. He was 47.
The Philadelphia musician, whose full name was Malik Abdul Basit, performed for years alongside Questlove and Black Thought in the iconic hip hop band.
A statement on The Roots’ official Twitter page confirmed his death.
“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 and innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time. We ask that you please respect his family in our time of mourning,” the statement reads.
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On Instagram, the band posted, “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.”
The musician helped start The Roots with Questlove and Black Thought back in the late ’80s, and appeared on four of the group’s albums through the ’90s before distancing himself in the 2000s. He was featured prominently on Organix, Do You Want More?!!!??!, Illadelph Halflife” and Things Fall Apart.
The cause of death is unclear at this point and time.
SOURCE: Twitter
