PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 21: (L-R) James Poyser, Black Thought, Questlove, Captain Kirk, and Tuba Gooding Jr of The Roots perform at Camelback Stage during day 2 of the 2017 Lost Lake Festival on October 21, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jeff Krav LOS ANGELES - Iconic rap artist, singer and founding member of The Roots, Malik Abdul Basit, has died at 47, the musical group announced. “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 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,” the band wrote on Twitter.