Malik B, Founding Member of The Roots, Dies Aged 47

Tragic news has reached us that Malik Abdul Basit, who performed under the name Malik B, has passed away. He was just forty-seven years old.

The heartbreaking news was announced on Wednesday.

The star rose to fame as the founding member of American hip hop band, The Roots.

It all began when Malik befriended high school pals Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, who began performing as a group under the name Square Roots.

They officially dropped “Square” from their hip-hop ensemble name, thus the band we know and love was born.

Before releasing their debut album, Organix the following year.

The Roots’ major-label debut album Do You Want More?!!!??! went down a treat with fans, but it was Malik and Black Thought’s raps that reigned supreme on the tracks.

Malik recorded songs on 1996’s Illadelph Halflife and 1999’s Things Fall Apart, but made the decision to leave the band he co-founded in 1999.

In fact, fellow member Black Thought penned an open letter to Malik on the track “Water,” detailing the rapper’s critical role in the group’s rise to fame.

He still featured on some of their songs, including the likes of “Game Theory,” “In The Music” and “Here I Come” from 2006’s Game Theory.

He lent his verses to tracks “Can’t Help It” and “Lost Desire” from the band’s 2008 album Rising Down.

His first solo work came in 2005 with the album Street Assault.

In total, Malik released 1 EP and 2 albums as part of his solo career.

He was just forty-seven years old.

“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 Baset,” the group wrote.

“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.”

His cousin remembered him as “so talented and had a huge heart.”

Tributes have been highlighting the significance of his contribution to hip hop and his legacy.

“Dude inspired a whole generation of us to touch the mic.”

At the time of writing, his cause of death has not been announced.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Keep on reading to learn about the tragic deaths that this year has brought upon us…