Today at age 45 Malik Taylor aka Phife Dawg a member of the legendary hip-hop group “A Tribe Called Quest” dies. A few years back I learn that Phife was a diabetic and had health issues going way back. I got the info from a documentary film on the group that was made back in 2011. Phife Dawg had been sick for a few years and according to the info Phife gave in the film he was near death’s door but He started to take care of himself and began to eat and live a healthier life. Some sources say he struggled to change but he was really working on his health. I saw a short video clip of him back 2014 he looked to me like he was getting better. I mean you could tell he was not the Phife of old but looked better.
When I heard the news I was little shocked because as I say he looked healthier in recent years. Taylor had a kidney transplant back in 2008 and he did struggle health wise but I thought he would bounce back and live longer but Phife admits in the film he had some real bad eating habits and he needed to change if he was going to live. I thought he was very brave for being so open about his health issues and sharing the facts about the habits that destroyed his health. Malik was a loving husband, father, brother and friend, and we should forget how much he gave us all. In music, he gave us joy and happy memories and in life he shares his ups and downs with us like we were family and we should always be thankful for that.
A Tribe Called Quest is giants in the hip hop world and their music help to shape a whole new generation of hip hop music and their brand of hip hop showed the world that hip-hop is truly high art. They have inspired rappers and musicians all over the world to think outside the box and one of the MC’s at the center of that movement was Malik Taylor. Phife had a unique style that many have tried to duplicate but no one is able to match the hip hop pioneers smooth energy and sound. I loved Tribe as a young man coming up but it was Phife Dawg’s lyrical flow and wordplay that cemented my love for the group. Phife’s style was fun witty and had flares of creative brilliants. The way he approached rap changed the way MC’s thought about rap and what it meant to have skills as an MC.
My heart is broken by this news and it will take me some time to come to grips with the fact that one of the main fixtures in the Hip Hop culture is gone. Phife is going home but I won’t be selfish by trying to hold on to him so much that I forget to be thankful to this man for all the good time I had because he shared his life and talents with us. The world will go on without Phife but the world will never find another five footer with more character skill and talent than Phife Dawg. The world is a little darker today but be thankful because we will always have light because of the music Malik Taylor left us. So here’s to Phife Dawg a legend in hip hop and a giant of a man. May God receive him and may Phife take his place in the kingdom and find rest. We love you Phife Dawg.
Check The Rhime GOD BLESS!!!!
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