Hip hop lost another legend.
Malik Abdul Basit, also known as Malik B from The Roots, has passed away at 47-years-old. His cousin Don Champion shared the heartbreaking news on Twitter:
“Mourning my beloved cousin today. He was so talented and had a huge heart. I still remember when he and The Roots were starting out. He’d give me and my dad their cassette tapes to listen to. I miss you already, Mailk.”
Mourning my beloved cousin today. He was so talented and had a huge heart. I still remember when he and The Roots were starting out. He'd give me and my dad their cassette tapes to listen to. I miss you already, Mailk. #RIP ❤️ https://t.co/UMQeXJsWmf
— Don Champion (@DonChampionTV) July 29, 2020
Malik’s cause of death is unknown, this is a developing story. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time.
In 1993 The Roots released their debut album, Organix, and Malik appeared on that album. He also appeared on the group’s next three albums, Do You Want More?!!!??!, Illadelph Halflife, and Things Fall Apart. Malik left the group in 1999 along with several others, but continued to do music throughout the years, and appeared on some of The Roots other albums.
Rest in power.