UPDATE 2: Here’s a statement from A Tribe Called Quest:
“Our hearts are heavy. We are devastated. This is something we weren’t prepared for although we all know that life is fleeting. It was no secret about his health and his fight. But the fight for his joy and happiness gave him everything he needed. The fight to keep his family happy, his soul happy and those around him happy, gave him complete and unadulterated joy… until he heeded his fathers call.
We love his family his mother, his father, his son, his wife, his nieces, his family here in New York, Atlanta, California and Trinidad.
Thank you for the outpouring of prayers and support from the fans, fellow artists, music outlets, blogs, radio stations, DJ’s, social media and the music community at large. This too is part of his joy and means a lot to him. His family is overwhelmed by the support, well wishes and are thankful. His music and what he’s contributed is seismic and hard to measure. He’s affected us as much as he’s affected all of you. We’re inspired by his daily joy and courage. He wasn’t in pain. He was happy.
We take comfort in knowing he will be beside his grandmother.”
UPDATE: Phife’s family has issued a statement on his passing:
“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.”
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.”
Previous story:
It’s always sad to type these sort of news pieces.
Reports are coming in that Phife Dawg of the legendary group A Tribe Called Quest (Q-Tip, Ali, Phife Dawg) has passed away. After some tweets began to surface, multiple sources close to the 45 year old rapper have confirmed the news, including Statik Selektah, Logic, 9th Wonder and El-P.
One of the most influential rappers on me and hip hop period! Rest In Peace Phife Dawg and thank you for the legacy you leave behind.
— Bobby No Pressure (@Logic301) March 23, 2016
Confirmed. rest in peace Phife. Man. I'm out.
— Statik Selektah (@StatikSelekt) March 23, 2016
https://twitter.com/therealelp/status/712524363732553729
https://twitter.com/MacMiller/status/712526600978440192
https://twitter.com/9thwonder/status/712524038355173376
Rip PHIFE DAWG A Tribe Called Quest inspired us all ! We will never forget!
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) March 23, 2016
Phife-HipHop & Rap word Warrior, simple as that.Breathed it & lined rhyme into Sport.A true fire Social Narrator my bro #RIBeats ATCQforever
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) March 23, 2016
A Tribe Called Quest has always been regarded as one of the most influential groups in Hip-Hop history. Phife released only one solo album, Ventilation: Da LP, in 2000. Information about reason for the death is still not concrete but it was publicly known that he was suffering from severe case of diabetes. Rest in peace to a great one.