Music, News

Malik B., Founding Member of the Roots, Dead at 47

Products You May Like

Malik B., the Philadelphia artist who was a founding member of the Roots, has died, the group announced. “May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam, His loving brotherhood and his innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time,” the Roots wrote. A cause of death has not been revealed. Malik B. was 47 years old.

Malik B. joined the first iteration of the Roots and started performing with Questlove and Black Thought in Philadelphia and New York City in the late 1980s. He was an official Roots member for the group’s first four albums—Organix (1993), Do You Want More?!!!??! (1995), Illadelph Halflife (1996), and Things Fall Apart (1999)—before departing during the recording of 2002’s Phrenology.

The terms of Malik B’s departure from the Roots were unclear, but Black Thought alluded to Malik’s departure on the Phrenology song “Water.” While Malik was not a regular member following Things Fall Apart, he would appear as a guest on future Roots albums such as Game Theory and Rising Down. In an 2015 interview, Malik himself stated that he was never fired from the Roots and did not quit the band. That same year, he released a collaborative album with producer Mr. Green called Unpredictable.

[embedded content]

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

Why The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras Winners Are Taking a Break
Letterboxd, Indie Cinema’s Secret Weapon, Hit 17 Million Members — Here Are Their Top 2024 Films
I’ve Seen A Lot Of Rage After Emilia Pérez’s Golden Globes Wins, But I’m Mad My Choice Didn’t Even Get Nominated
How Ultra-Chic Women Are Shopping for Leggings in 2025
Noah Wyle in ‘The Pitt,’ West Is Wild in ‘American Primeval,’ Scheming With the ‘Traitors,’ ‘Hollywood Squares’ Revival