A Tribe Called Quest’s Phife Dawg Dies At 45

Founding member of A Tribe Called Quest dies following battle with Diabetes.

The hip hop world suffered a loss Tuesday evening when it was reported Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor had passed away. Known as the “Five Foot Assassin”, “Phife Diggy”, & “the Funky Diabetic” had battled with ill health in recent years and underwent a kidney transplant in 2008, following renal failure due to diabetes complications. He went on to become a diabetes advocate and shared his story in the 2012 documentary Beats, Rhymes and Life.

His family issued a statement regarding his death:

“We regret to share the news that on Tuesday March 22nd, 2016, Malik has passed away due to complications resulting from diabetes,” read a statement sent to Billboard. “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.”