Very early this morning, A Tribe Called Quest‘s Phife Dawg passed away, sending ripples through the Hip Hop community, especially New York, where the Queens emcee grew up and rose to prominence.
Just a short while ago, Phife’s family released an official statement, confirming the legendary rapper’s death was “due to complications resulting from diabetes.” His manager, Dion Liverpool, added Phife taught him that “maintaining a positive attitude and outlook can conquer anything,” a message ubiquitously spread throughout Phife and A Tribe Called Quest’s music.
You can read both statements in full below.
From the 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.”
From Liverpool:
“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.”
