Malik B Dead - The Roots Founding Member Dies at 47

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Rapper and founding member of The Roots, Malik B., has died. He was 47.

LOS ANGELES -- Malik B, a rapper and founding member of The Roots, has died. He was 47.

At just 47 years old, legendary rapper Malik B. (full name Malik Abdul Basit) has sadly passed away. His former hip-hop group, The Roots, revealed the death of its founding member on July 29.

The Roots, has died, according to the hip-hop band's social media statement Wednesday (July 29). He was 47.

pic.twitter.com/NVHtb2CFWPBefore his departure from the group in 2002, Malik appeared on four albums — 1993's, 1995's, 1996's and 1999's After his departure, he continued to make guest appearances on later albums. Malik released one EP, on emcee Haak Blast's publishing company, Future Blast Publishing.

Malik B. was a rapper and singer who was a founding member of the Roots.Born Malik Abdul Basit, Malik B. founded the Roots along with Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter in 1987.

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.

The Roots, has died. He was 47.The Philadelphia native’s cousin Don Champion confirmed his passing on Wednesday, July 29.“Mourning my beloved cousin today,” he wrote via Twitter.