Malik B., Founding Member of The Roots, Dies at 47

billboard.com:

The Roots, has died, according to the hip-hop band's social media statement Wednesday (July 29). He was 47. No cause of death has been revealed."It is with heavy hearts and tearful eyes that we regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and long time Roots member Malik Abdul Basit.

May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam, His loving brotherhood and his innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time," the group wrote on Instagram. "We ask that you please respect his family and extended family in our time of mourning such a great loss."His cousin Don Champion broke the news on Twitter when he reshared old performance footage of Malik B.