Phifa’s Dawg’s family will celebrate the late hip-hop legend with a ceremony unveiling the Queens street renamed in his honor. The special ceremony takes place one day before Phife’s birthday on Nov. 19, at 1:00 PM EST.
A portion of Linden Boulevard on 192nd Street is set to be named after the A Tribe Called Quest rapper, thanks to a request initiated by the office of New York City Council Member Daneek Miller.
Phife’s wife, Deisha Head Taylor and mother, Cheryl Boyce-Taylor, were instrumental in working with Miller to pick the street in addition to the planning of the unveiling ceremony.
“The thought of having Linden Boulevard at 192, renamed to Malik ‘Phife Dawg’ Taylor is indescribable,” Deisha said in a statement. “This is a perfect representation of who Malik was, and what Queens meant to him. Whenever he mentioned Queens, Linden Boulevard at 192, was a focal point of reference, so I am certain he would be pleased with having it renamed in his honor. We are extremely grateful for those who were part of the entire process; from the initial effort to the signing of the bill, this historical moment means so much to his family, friends, and fans.”
His mother explained what the street honor means to the family. “I’m in awe as an immigrant mother,” she said. “My family came from Trinidad to the US in the 50’s and 60’s. We worked as housekeepers, nannies and home attendants to educate ourselves and our children. For a moment I lost faith in this country. The renaming of 192nd St. & Linden after my son Malik, has made my American Dream come through. I am so happy. He was an incredible child. I was blessed to know and love him.”
The family also collaborated with the e-commerce platform, Teespring, for limited-edition T-shirts in honor of the momentous occasion.