[UPDATED] Phife Dawg Of A Tribe Called Quest 1970 – 2016
By Scott Bernstein Mar 23, 2016 • 9:40 am PDT
Update
Mar 23, 2016 • 9:40 am PDT
The family of Phife Dawg has issued a statement about Taylor’s death. Read the complete statement below.
What has been a terrible year for the loss of influential musicians continued as Malik Isaac Taylor, aka Phife Dawg, has died. The rapper was a member of legendary hip-hop act A Tribe Called Quest his death was caused by complications from diabetes. Rolling Stone confirmed Taylor’s passing.
Phife Dawg was born in Queens on November 20, 1970 and had been suffering from type 1 diabetes since 1990. He formed A Tribe Called Quest in 1985 with Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White, though White left the group shortly after the 1990 release of People’s Instinctive Travels And The Paths of Rhythm. Taylor contributed to each of the group’s albums including 1991’s The Low End Theory.
In addition to his work with A Tribe Called Quest, Phife Dawg contributed to other artists’ work including the Fu-Schnickens song “La Schmoove”, Diamond D’s “Painz & Strife” and Chi-Ali’s “Let the Horns Blow.” A Tribe Called Quest disbanded in 2008, though they did re-form for a 2006 reunion tour. Last year, the original members of the group performed “Can I Kick It” with help from The Roots on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Our thoughts are with Taylor’s friends and family. Phife Dawg was 45.
Read a full statement from Phife’s family:
“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.”
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.”
The family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.
