I  had the privilege of being able to witness A Tribe Called Quest live two times in my life. The one that had the most impact on me was when I saw them perform ‘Midnight Marauders’ in its ENTIRETY, and it’s a moment I’d never forget. There were younger people in the crowd, and it may or may not have been their first time even hearing Tribe’s music. There was the older crowd, fully dressed ladies and gents ready to flex who knew every single word to every single song on that album. It’s truly a sight to witness and I’m grateful to have been there for that. phife2

Now knowing that Tribe lost one of its members today, it’s even more special to me because we will never witness the entire Tribe on stage together again. Ever.

 

Phife, otherwise known as Malik Taylor, was dealing with complications from his diabetes when he passed. The Five Foot Assassin was a founding member of one of hip-hop’s most influential groups. His passing is truly a hard time for the hip hop community.

I can’t express how truly sad this is and how I express my sympathy for his family. It’s not every day that you lose a great in the game, and when you do, you show love.