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Malik Abdul Basil, better known as Malik B., was a rapper, singer and songwriter. He was best known as a founding member of the Philadelphia hip-hop group The Roots, alongside Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter.

On Wednesday, the group took to Instagram and Twitter to share the news of his passing.

The cause of death is still unknown. Still, the group asked followers to respect the family during a time of mourning.

The Roots announce passing of Malik B. Courtesy of @The Roots on Twitter.

The Roots released their debut album, Organix (1993), independently. At the time, they were based in London, where they were able to gain attention and build a fanbase.

After this, The Roots received record deals from multiple labels but would ultimately sign with DGC/Geffen in 1994. Their first studio album under DGC titled Do You Want More?!!!??! would drop later that year. 

Although Malik B. would stick around for two more albums Illadelph Halflife (1996) and Things Fall Apart (1999), he would leave the group in 2001 to pursue a solo career.

Still, Malik B. would return to the group by 2006, to appear on albums, Game Theory, and then again on 2008’s Rising Down

He would release his first solo project, an eight-track EP, titled Psychological in 2006 and work on two more studio albums Street Assault (2005) and Unpredictable (2015), with producer Mr. Green.