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Phife Dawg Performs At Tattoo

Source: Isaiah Trickey / Getty

Wednesday morning, Hip-Hop lost an icon. Malik Taylor AKA Phife Dawg the founder of A Tribe Called Quest passed away, leaving the music world in shock and awe.

While the cause of his death has yet to be revealed, the lyricist had a longtime battle with Type 1 diabetes and even underwent a kidney transplant in 2008.

Last November, Phife Dawg spoke out about his health issues. “It’s really a sickness,” he said in a 2011 documentary. “Like straight-up drugs. I’m addicted to sugar.”

Public Enemy’s Chuck D and actress Kerry Washington were just some of the celebrities that took to social media to express their condolences:

https://twitter.com/EstelleDarlings/status/712526951387410432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/solangeknowles/status/712636848418529280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDTCXIZtvMn/?taken-by=9thwonder

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDS6MBNhCAI/?taken-by=iamkrsone

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDSS876qjw7/?taken-by=raheem_devaughn

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDTCXIZtvMn/?taken-by=9thwonder

 

RIP to the “five foot freak.” Team Beautiful sends their condolences to Phife’s family and friends at this time.

 

RELATED LINKS: 

A Tribe Called Quest’s Phife Dawg Dead At 45

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