LOS ANGELES (AP) - Malik B, a rapper and founding member of The Roots, has died. He was 47.
The group announced the death of the Philadelphia-based emcee in a social media post Wednesday.
The cause of death has not been released. Malik B, whose real name is Malik Abdul Basit, was a major contributor to the group, which includes Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter.
He appeared on four albums before departing the group in 1999. In the following year, the Roots won their first Grammy.
Malik Abdul Baset, a rapper best known for his work with @theroots as Malik B., has died. He was 47. https://t.co/XhOqI87pvd
— NPR Music (@nprmusic) July 29, 2020
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 pic.twitter.com/NVHtb2CFWP
— The Roots (@theroots) July 29, 2020
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