Malik B. (born Abdul Basit)—a lyricist who was one of the founding members of The Roots—died unexpectedly, The Roots announced on July 29. Basit was 47; the cause of his death was not specified.
We regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and long time Roots member Malik Abdul Basit. May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam and innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time. We ask that you please respect his family in our time of mourning pic.twitter.com/NVHtb2CFWP
— The Roots (@theroots) July 29, 2020
The Philly native used his lyrical skills alongside those of Black Thought to help turn The Root’s first four albums into hip hop classics: “Organix” (1993), “Do You Want More?!!!??!” (1995), “Illadelph Halflife” (1996) and “Things Fall Apart” (1999). After pursuing a solo career, Basit returned to The Roots for 2006’s “Game Theory” and 2008’s “Rising Down.” He produced his 2015 album “Unpredictable” with New York-based producer Mr. Green.
Black Thought published a tribute to Basit on Instagram:
Watch a 2012 video of Basit in freestyle mode, courtesy of Marsten House:
As music industry insiders and fans mourn Basit’s passing, many have taken to social media to express their deep sadness:
RIP Malik B.
— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) July 29, 2020
Black Thought always received the most love, but Malik offered a Phife-caliber counterweight on those first few Roots albums. Bringing staccato fury and militance. A perfect balance and why fans listened from Michigan to Switzerland. https://t.co/xtIv3HLtuC
“Your vocal chord is fraudulent, and not the true porcelain
— Kastertroy (@kaster_troy14) July 29, 2020
I bring the fire, earth and the source of wind
The force of sin will endorse the pen
We all search for sanity, but I think that it was lost again”
His 1st verse 😡😡😡
RIP The Unsung Malik B. pic.twitter.com/0esIyA1s1k
Rest in Peace to Malik B of The Roots. “Step into The Realm” from Things Fall Apart was always one of my favorite performances from him. pic.twitter.com/d6sOlKxapB
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) July 29, 2020
If Malik B’s passing is true I’ll never listen to this song the same. Always thought this was a heartfelt message to him and wondered how he received it. 🙏🏽 https://t.co/CfOyTtWvva
— We me (@executiveschair) July 29, 2020
Oh no..RIP Malik B, love and condolences to the Roots crew and all his friends and fam https://t.co/AnaAcN6Dh4
— Jay Smooth (@jsmooth995) July 29, 2020