Follow Author 
Malik Taylor, better known as rapper “Phife Dawg,” died in his home on March 22nd due to complications from Diabetes. Taylor had been suffering from health issues related to his diabetes for many years, the rapper was diagnosed in 1990 and was placed on a waiting list for a kidney transplant in 2006 before receiving one from his wife in 2008. The transplant was unsuccessful and Taylor needed another by 2012.
Taylor was of Trinidadian descent and one third of A Tribe called Quest alongside Rapper Q-tip and Dj Ali Shaheed Muhammad. Taylor, being notably short at five foot three, also was known as the “five foot assassin” and “the five footer.” His tenure with Tribe Called Quest began with the group’s formation in 1985 and its signing to Jive Records in 1990 which lead to acclaimed critical success. The Group made five albums together in the 1990’s before disbanding, all five albums were well received by fans and audiences as well as music critics. Taylor often touched upon social and political issues in his verses as did the group as a whole. Phife Dawg released a solo album entitled “Ventilation: Da LP” in 2000 and before his passing was reportedly compiling material for a new solo record.
Published by Ville Iso-Ahola
8 years ago 
