Legendary rapper Phife Dawg has passed away at the age of 45. Though a formal cause of death has not been revealed, the emcee, who was a founding member of famed hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, had been battling health issues for some time, many related to his struggle with diabetes. Phife received a kidney transplant for diabetes-related complications in 2008, and was an outspoken advocate for those with the disease.
Known for his quick-jab vocal skills, Phife’s style was a massive influence on virtually all rappers who came after him, having been praised by Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, André 3000, J. Cole, and Chance The Rapper — among scores of others.
A Tribe Called Quest was founded in the late-1980s, and became a pioneer in the jazz-influenced sound of hip-hop in the early and mid 1990s. The group’s sophomore album, The Low End Theory, is to hip-hop what Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue is to jazz. The album is a beloved cornerstone in any true fan’s collection, and feels just as fresh today as it did when it hit stores in 1991.
A Tribe Called Quest blessed our city with beats, rhymes, and life. Saying goodbye to a true Queens legend, #RIPPhifeDawg. #CheckTheRhime
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) March 23, 2016
The group would release five albums in total, breaking up in 1998, but continuing to reunite for special one-off concerts throughout the past two decades, including a tour in 2006.
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News of the musician’s death prompted responses from all over the entertainment world, with musicians, actors, and athletes making public statements about his importance to them.
https://twitter.com/flyinglotus/status/712532478393786368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, famed co-founder of The Roots, took to Instagram to mourn Phife and discuss his influence, sharing a story about the first time he heard The Low End Theory, “By the time we got to [the song] Scenario I swear to God THAT was the moment I knew I wanted to make THIS type of music when I grew up.”
a tribe called quest is the greatest rap group of all time. and i would have never thought i had a place in rap if not for them #RIPPhife
— OME (@Mike_Eagle) March 23, 2016
At his most recent concert, Kendrick Lamar led his audience in a call-and-response to commemorate Phife’s work, and credited him as central to his ability to perform on stage.
I like brown ,yellow Puerto Rican or Haitian name is phife dog from the Zulu nation. Rip Phife pic.twitter.com/rSy8pSKnxC
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) March 23, 2016
Other collaborators, musicians, fans, and even the New York City Mayor’s office have responded to news of the rapper’s death as well.
Phife-HipHop & Rap word Warrior, simple as that.Breathed it & lined rhyme into Sport.A true fire Social Narrator my bro #RIBeats ATCQforever
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) March 23, 2016
To honor the loss of this musical icon, we have assembled a playlist of the group’s greatest hits, which the music world will no doubt be praising for years to come.
