The Phife Dawg (Malik Izaak Taylor) estate provided a belated birthday celebration for the MC on Monday, November 22nd, with the announcement of a forthcoming posthumous solo album, Forever. Phife’s estate will release the album on March 22nd, 2022, the sixth anniversary of his untimely passing, via Smokin’ Needles Records.
Known for co-founding the critically acclaimed hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest alongside Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White back in 1985, Phife Dawg spent his career pushing the limits of hip-hop and forging it into the mainstream success that it is today. A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and Jungle Brothers formed the hip-hop collective Native Tongues and spread its Afrocentric lyrics and beats across the world, distinguishing itself from other groups with its conscious, feel-good messaging.
Forever will mark Phife Dawg’s second solo album. The MC only produced one other solo studio offering, 2000’s Ventilation: Da LP, before passing due to complications with diabetes back in 2016. In developing the album, Phife worked with trusted collaborators to assemble a catalog of songs. Earmarked by his signature verbal fireworks, hilarious adlibs, incisive social commentary, and unexpectedly introspective confessions, the forthcoming album will arrive as a true representation of his art.
“Forever, soon come. His voice a steel pan cruising the sea salt edge of Trini waters. A balm, a salve, a son’s kiss on his mama’s cheek. What an amazing gift to receive on my beloved’s birthday. FOREVER… 3/22/22,” said Phife’s mother, Cheryl Boyce-Taylor (aka Mama Phife) in a press release.
His wife, Deisha Taylor, added, “Happy Bornday to our beloved Malik. As we celebrate his life on this day, we are overwhelmed with excitement of completing Forever. This album is truly a masterpiece and will exceed all expectations. The world will absolutely love and cherish this amazing album. Phife Dawg’s legacy will continue to live on….Forever 3-22-22…soon come!”
While the Phife Dawg estate has not yet announced a tracklist or pre-order details, it has confirmed that the recently-released “Nutshell PART 2”, featuring Busta Rhymes and Redman, will appear on Forever. Check out the music video below and stay tuned to his website for more information as it becomes available.
Phife Dawg (Ft. Busta Rhymes & Redman) – “Nutshell PART 2” [Official Music Video]