In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor of the legendary hip-hop group, A Tribe Called Quest, passed away.
The 45-year-old self-proclaimed “Five-Foot-Assassin” died from ongoing health complications as a result of diabetes.
Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest Has Died at 45
As the co-founder of the group hailing from Queens, Phife always kept his cool with a tight and clever rhyme over a dope and melodic beat.
In November, the group reunited for the first time in 4 years for what would be the last time on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their debut album, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.
To celebrate the magic of Phife’s music, here are 8 A Tribe Called Quest songs that are forever worthy of a listen.
Check the Rhime:
Electric Relaxtion:
Bonita Applebum:
Can I Kick It:
Scenario:
Jazz (We’ve Got):
I Left My Wallet in El Segundo:
Butter: