As the Hip-Hop community continues to grapple with the loss of legendary lyricist Phife Dawg, the 45-year-old’s surviving family has released a statement confirming Phife’s–real name Malik Taylor’s–unexpected death was due to complications resulting from diabetes.
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.”
Phife’s longtime manager Dion Liverpool added that while he’s still dealing with the loss of his dear friend, he will reflect on his countless contributions to the culture, and his unwavering humility despite his legendary status.
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 honored to have crossed paths with him. Riddim Kidz 4eva.”
Early Tuesday morning, news broke the Queens native, who was one third of the Hip-Hop collective A Tribe Called Quest died. Shortly after, his name began to trend on Twitter with fellow musicians and fans expressing deep disbelief and paying homage to the Five Foot Assassin.
I like brown ,yellow Puerto Rican or Haitian name is phife dog from the Zulu nation. Rip Phife pic.twitter.com/rSy8pSKnxC
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) March 23, 2016
A photo posted by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on
#PhifeForever