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Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest has passed away

Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest has passed away

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2016 takes another one.  A Tribe Called Quest rapper Phife Dawg has passed away at the age of 45. Cause of death is unconfirmed but Malik Taylor aka Phife Dawg had Type 1 diabetes and ill health over the last number of years that included to a kidney transplant from his wife in 2008.

Malik Taylor was part of the seminal ’90s rap group A Tribe Called Quest along with Q-Tip, Jarobi White and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. The New York group  released five albums from 1990 to 1998, most notably the 1991’s Low End Theory and 1993’s Midnight Marauders.

Q-Tip and Phife Dawg’s relationship became turbulent and the group broke up and reunited a few times over the years. Much of that turbulence was documented in the 2011 film Beats, Rhymes & Life.

Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders remain two of my favourite rap albums.

Phife was one of my favourite rappers too. His hyperactive high-pitched flow was a perfect foil to Q-Tip’s smoother laidback delivery. Their juxtaposition made A Tribe Called Quest so important, so magnetic. I was introduced to Tribe through the Beastie Boys album Ill Communication, which Q-Tip featured on. The interplay between the two meant that they were/are my go-to pure rap group. Rest in peace Phife Dawg.

Phife Dawg Spotify playlist

A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation (Official Video)
Buggin' Out by A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest - Find A Way
A Tribe Called Quest - Scenario (Official HD Video)
A Tribe Called Quest - Jazz (We've Got) Buggin' Out (Official HD Video)
A Tribe Called Quest feat. Faith Evans - Stressed Out
A Tribe Called Quest - Award Tour (Official Video)
God Lives Through - A Tribe Called Quest

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