Malik B. Dies: Longtime Member Of The Roots Was 47

deadline.com:

Denise Petski Senior Managing EditorMalik Abdul Basit (aka Malik B.), a rapper, singer and longtime member of The Roots, died Wednesday.

He was 47. The Roots announced Basit’s death in a statement on the group’s verified Twitter account but did not provide a cause of death.“We regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and long time Roots member Malik Abdul Basit,” the statement read. “May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam and innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time.

We ask that you please respect his family in our time of mourning.”We regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and long time Roots member Malik Abdul Basit.