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

rn— The Roots (@theroots) July 29, 2020

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rnThe 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:

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View this post on Instagram

 

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We made a name and carved a lane together where there was none. We ressurected a city from the ashes, put it on our backs and called it Illadelph. In friendly competition with you from day one, I always felt as if I possessed only a mere fraction of your true gift and potential. Your steel sharpened my steel as I watched you create cadences from the ether and set them free into the universe to become poetic law, making the English language your bitch. I always wanted to change you, to somehow sophisticate your outlook and make you see that there were far more options than the streets, only to realize that you and the streets were one… and there was no way to separate a man from his true self. My beloved brother M-illitant. I can only hope to have made you as proud as you made me. The world just lost a real one. May Allah pardon you, forgive your sins and grant you the highest level of paradise. #MalikB #TheLegendaryRootsCrew

A post shared by Black Thought (@blackthought) on Jul 29, 2020 at 12:10pm PDT

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rnWatch a 2012 video of Basit in freestyle mode, courtesy of Marsten House:

rnAs music industry insiders and fans mourn Basit’s passing, many have taken to social media to express their deep sadness:

RIP Malik B.
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rnBlack 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

rn— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) July 29, 2020

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"Your vocal chord is fraudulent, and not the true porcelain
rnI bring the fire, earth and the source of wind
rnThe force of sin will endorse the pen
rnWe all search for sanity, but I think that it was lost again"
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rnHis 1st verse ???
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rnRIP The Unsung Malik B. pic.twitter.com/0esIyA1s1k

rn— Kastertroy (@kaster_troy14) July 29, 2020

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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

rn— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) July 29, 2020

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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

rn— We me (@executiveschair) July 29, 2020

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Oh no..RIP Malik B, love and condolences to the Roots crew and all his friends and fam https://t.co/AnaAcN6Dh4

rn— Jay Smooth (@jsmooth995) July 29, 2020

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