Malik B, the founding member of The Roots, is dead at 47. The news was confirmed by his cousin Don Champion on Twitter in a post that reads: "Mourning my beloved cousin today. He was so talented and had a huge heart. I still remember when he and The Roots were starting out. He'd give me and my dad their cassette tapes to listen to. I miss you already, Mailk."
Malik, born born Malik Abdul Basit, founded The Roots, first known as Square Roots, alongside Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter in the 90's. He was with the group for their first four albums and left in 1999 to pursue a solo career.
His cause of death is unknown at this time.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
