Busta Rhymes Pens Moving Tribute To Phife Dawg

A bevy of tributes and memories of legendary lyricist Phife Dawg poured out after news of his passing on Wednesday (Mar. 23). The A Tribe Called Quest member died at the age of 45 after a battle with diabetes.

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From his family to ATCQ members shared their recollections of the 5 Foot Assassin, while others shared musical nods like Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. Now, one of Phife’s longtime friends, Busta Rhymes, is sharing his thoughts on the Trini Gladiator’s untimely passing.

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In an extended Instagram post, the Brooklynite reminisced on a pivotal concert performance of “What’s The Scenario” with all the members of ATCQ and Leaders of the New School in December 2015. According to Busta, the moment brought him to his knees given the significance of that night. The revered rapper also stated since that event he spent more time with Phife Dawg, “way more than I have been able to in over 10yrs.”

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He then continued, “I’ve known this man for over 28yrs and I think I’ve seen him in the last 4 months the happiest that I’ve seen him in a very long time. It was apparent that every wish that he had was coming true and I can honestly say that I was witnessing the anointing frm a bird’s eye view 1st hand. Until we meet again King, RIP.”

Read the full note below.

I had to spend the last 2 days going thru a lot of honest thoughts and emotions b 4 I spoke because this one hurts soooo fucking much. I can’t begin to explain what @iamthephifer and @qtiptheabstract and @jarobiwhite and @alishaheed means to me and how much they have done for my life. These guys are my big brothers, my friends, and the dudes that always protected me frm the bullshit that came with life both personally and professionally in a way that only big brothers can do it. If u look at this picture closely, on the night of one of my my most magical moments in my 25 year journey in music DEC.5th 2015, I was able to have a dream come true in a way that it never had and that was to perform What’s the scenario (original and the rmx) for the 1st time ever back to back with all of the original members of Leaders of the New School and A Tribe Called Quest since we recorded these songs in 1991 & 1992. That night was so magical with all of the love that was under one roof that it’s too much to get into the details of but again please take another look at this picture, if u notice @iamthephifer had his hand on my back consoling me as I kneeled down to give thanks crying tears of joy because of how proud of a moment that was for me being able to end a 4 hour set with brothers who put me in a position where I was able to tell my mother she will not have to work for anyone over 20 yrs ago. The belief that they had in me puttin’ me and Leaders on that record, putting me last on the record because back then being last on the record meant EVERYTHING, I had no idea at that time what they were setting me up in life to be but thru out the years it was so consistent their love and concern for my well being that it was no way I couldn’t see it. Ever since that concert I have had the opportunity to spend time with Phife way more than I have been able to in over 10yrs. I’ve known this man for over 28yrs and I think I’ve seen him in the last 4 months the happiest that I’ve seen him in a very long time. It was apparent that every wish that he had was coming true and I can honestly say that I was witnessing the anointing frm a bird’s eye view 1st hand. Until we meet again King, RIP

A photo posted by Busta Rhymes (@conglomerateent) on Mar 24, 2016 at 9:15am PDT

Look at us zoomin’ in on our brother work…. #PHIFEDAWG RIP KING!!!! I miss u sooooo much!!!

A photo posted by Busta Rhymes (@conglomerateent) on Mar 26, 2016 at 1:33am PDT