Phife Dawg Obituary (1970 - 2016) - Keyser, WV - Mineral Daily News-Tribune
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Phife Dawg

1970 - 2016

BORN

1970

DIED

2016

Phife Dawg Obituary

Phife Dawg, a rapper and founding member of the hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, has died, according to multiple news sources, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. He was 45.

He died Wednesday. No cause of death was immediately available, though the rapper was diagnosed with diabetes in 1990.

Dawg, who was born Malik Isaac Taylor Nov. 20, 1970, formded the chart-topping group with his high school classmates Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Kamaal Ibn John Fareed, formerly Jonathan Davis, who took the stage name Q-Tip. Jarobi White was also involved at the beginning, but only for a short time.

The group's second album, "The Low End Theory," helped pave the way for 1990s alternative hip-hop. Other popular albums include "Midnight Marauders" and "Beats, Rhymes, and Life."

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Actors and fellow musicians shared their condolences Wednesday on social media platforms, including actor Marlon Wayans and rapper Chuck D of Public Enemy:

Phife didawg... #RIP fam love you brother. You left the world with jewels man. My childhood… https://t.co/KRKK7Llw7N — marlon wayans (@MarlonWayans)

— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) Nooooooooo RIP Phife. I heard they just got a deal and was coming back. Yo that's soooo weak man!!!! They was posed to be on our album

Phife-HipHop & Rap word Warrior, simple as that.Breathed it & lined rhyme into Sport.A true fire Social Narrator my bro #RIBeats ATCQforever — Chuck D (@MrChuckD)

Rest In Beats PHIFE ATCQ Forever pic.twitter.com/jwYNU6YLJ8 — Chuck D (@MrChuckD)

In an essay in Billboard magazine, the musician Questlove of the Roots, the house band on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," paid tribute to A Tribe Called Quest, noting that he borrowed Quest for his stage name.

Published by Mineral Daily News-Tribune on Mar. 23, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Phife Dawg

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134 Entries
Happy Birthday 49 Years Old
Melissa Morris
November 20, 2019
Rest in Peace Phife Dawg.. I didn't know of atcq until they finished the last album I was torn to hear that he passed. His lyrics moved generations and his voice still speaks today
John Sederberg
January 1, 2018
Valenda Newell
September 30, 2016
my condolences to his family he was a great rapper gone but not forgotten mayhe rest in peace he will be missed. KIMBERLY DANIELS
August 22, 2016
RIP Phife, #LindenBoulevard
Deb C
June 2, 2016
It is quite obvious that Phife and his lyrics were greatly cherished. He will be missed, May the God of all comfort grant his family, friends, and fans the needed comfort they so richly desire that can transcend them through this unexpected sadness. Heartfelt condolences to you all!
Chandra
May 6, 2016
RIP
Tim Williams
May 5, 2016
My condolences. My son has had type 1 for 21 years, so I do empathize.
R W
April 23, 2016
RIP
m p
April 22, 2016
Prayers for his family and the entire Hip Hop Nation
Tonia Reaves
Acquaintance
April 22, 2016
To the family and all the fans you have my sincere sympathy. Trust in God with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. I hope you can find comfort and peace from our Creator who has the ability to comfort all.
Hyde
April 20, 2016
Q-tip may have the voice but you had the lines Phife. This is such a great loss. May your family soon heal from the pain and smile on the good times. You'll be missed. Thanks for your imprint in the hip-hop community.
Liz L
April 15, 2016
RIP,PHIFE DAWG,one of the greatest rappers of all times,the class of 82 was rocking hard to,A TRIBE CALLED QUEST.
Chris&Melody Jones
April 14, 2016
"WILL BE TRULY MISSED" MAY YOU RIP"
Sharron Davis
April 9, 2016
There can never be another you... Always a fan
Carol Smith
April 8, 2016
Tamara Ballard
April 6, 2016
Rip Phifer Dawg. Condolences to his family and Tribe. I have all the albums and grew up listening to these guys. I remember when the group was having issues and thinking to myself, there's no way they can break up. This was a intricate part and a peice of the foundation of a movement created by Tribe and many emcees and I hope everyone appreciates the life work of Tribe. I'm 41 years old and I know we don't live forever, but the music is a constant, the music is our memorial. So turn that speaker up and let rock for Phife. One love
Tim Brim
April 6, 2016
My condolences to the family - RIP Phife - you are truly a legend
April 5, 2016
Rest in peace my brova and Allah knows best
Uthman Peters
April 5, 2016
RIP Phife dog,may the Good Lord heal your wife/family and your homies (tribe called quest) broken heart!
john langston
April 3, 2016
rest in peace 5 footer,ur energy was amazing, ur talent was incomparable, even tho the 5 footer u were larger than life on stage.
demetrie palmer
April 3, 2016
I was a a fan. He will truly be missed. We all have to pass this way some day. May he rest in perfect peace.
Geji Banks
April 2, 2016
I remember the First time I heard Bonita Applebaum, my boyfriend at the time wrote me love letter using the lyrics I went through life with Tribe Called Quest either as tapes in my Walkman, my Bookbag, to my CD in my cars to my IPOD on to my IPhone and still do. Hip Hop has lost one of its Greatest MCs. Rest In Peace, Beats and Rhymes PhifeDawg-Malik!
Niki Noriya Woodard
April 1, 2016
I remember the First time I heard Bonita Applebaum, my boyfriend at the time wrote me love letter using the lyrics I went through life with Tribe Called Quest either as tapes in my Walkman, my Bookbag, to my CD in my cars to my IPOD on to my IPhone and still do. Hip Hop has lost one of its Greatest MCs. Rest In Peace PhifeDawg-Malik!
Niki Noriya Woodard
April 1, 2016
RIP my dear cousin, you blest the world with your lyrics and positive vibes. Trini family
Lynette Fraser
April 1, 2016
True and Great legend he has pave the way for other rap star
Sonja Jilley
March 31, 2016
My condolences to the family during this difficult time. May the God of comfort ease your pain.
S T
March 31, 2016
Rip young brotha , New Orleans Love
Juan Caston
March 31, 2016
RIP You will be Missed. Y.S.
Yvette Sanderlin
March 31, 2016
Rip brother you will be missed
Jeff Cobb
March 30, 2016
My prayers go out to the surviving family members and hope that they can cope with the loss of a very talented guy. John 5:28 and 29.
Eric M
March 30, 2016
My deepest sympathy to The Taylor Family, friends and loved ones. I pray peace over you all during this challenging time.
There never seems to be the "right" thing to say or do, when our loved ones go home, but to take comfort in knowing,
*first of all, they are not in pain anymore and we will see them again.
*As Jesus went to prepare a place for all who would believe on Him.

As a musician and musical influence in my life, I admired the "Intellectual Fun/Funk" that "PHIFE DAWG" and A Tribe Called Quest brought to the Hip Hop scene.
They crossed all barriers of race, what was supposed to be "popular" in music, to which they were/are still, among the pioneers, the trailblazers, opening the doors for "Intellectual Fun/Funk" (That has been how I've described them when speaking of their style!) I certainly don't take credit for that phrase.

A talented, and seemingly fun loving person, as I did not know him personally - it's how he came across via media.
He and the group, touched so manly lives and influenced so many musicians, people with aspirations and dreams to be a musical influence, like them and the fans who love and would - still today (you know who you are!) turn the volume UP as loud as it can go and ROCK THE QUEST!!

Sincerely thankful to have been introduced to their music and the unrivaled talent they display. Their is only ONE, "PHIFE DAWG" and only ONE, A Tribe Called Quest!!

With all love and sincerity,
Jessica
Jessica Tinsley
March 30, 2016
To the family we send our sincere condolences, we know that Allah has you all in his tightest grasp and will never let you go, Phife will be greatly missed, his spirit his word play but most of all the person that he became will forever be cherished REST IN BEATS, JOB WELL DONE ...sincerely your jive labelmate(The Skinny Boys)
Jay, Shaun & Jacque Harrison, Lloyd
March 30, 2016
Rest good......Ira mayfield
Ira
March 30, 2016
Rest In Beats Phife. We grew up listening to you guy's it was more than music it was a movement, having never met you has no influence on the pain we as fans feel We are in deep mourning just as those that have known you on a personal level. I'm happy the world has
all this great music to remind us of how Dope you were as an artist. ❤ #ATCQ4LIFE
Tasha Wilson
March 30, 2016
Man I've been worried about you for some time sometimes actually even losi g sleep big bro worried about when this day would come i've been following A.T.C.Q. since its conception and you clearly was my favorite MC out of the two not saying Tip can't ryme or that he isn't nice on the mic as well but your wit and punchlines should be patented bro i miss you bro!...my heart is so heavy yet relieved in some way that you're not suffering anymore i pray that Almighty Jah holds and keeps you in his conscious for all eternity!...i know Ali and Tip misses you and especially Jarobi yall were brothers man and sometimes brothers fight and fallout but i saw nothing but love between all of you a bunch of young kats having fun promoting positivity and loving life!...life gave you a raw deal bro heck it gave all of US a raw deal by taking you away from us but i believe everything happens for a reason!...Jah had a purpose for you Phife and his will be done!....amen!...i love you!...i love A.T.C.Q. 4EVA!...Phife Dogg...Ali Shaheed Mohammad...Q-Tip and Jarobi...A.E.I.O.U and sometimesY?!!!
Nathaniel Bolden
March 29, 2016
March 29, 2016
RIP your music will be around for ever
BigFaceORG
March 29, 2016
To one of the old school rap groups I had always loved. May you rest in peace my brother.
S Tate
March 29, 2016
CRUSHED! Your lyrics provided the blueprint for my teenage years. One of the greatest lyricist to ever grab the mic.
Electric Relaxation Original Rude Boy..
Fala S
March 29, 2016
To the family of Malik, the ressurection will be GLORIOUS! I hope to see him in Paradise along with the many other legends of Music we lost this year and in the past.
Yes Phife Dawg was a legend "who never got the props that he damn well deserved!" just like he said in a line when he paid tribute to Phyllis Hyman.
A Tribe Called Quest will live on as group in my heart forever!
Christopher L Pugh
March 29, 2016
Myrna Jaques
March 29, 2016
Phife Dawg was my dude, The Tribe had a big influence on who I am today and my love for real hip hop. Phife highly underrated but never underestimated, he blended his rugged Trini flavor to complete the Quest masterpiece. I love that dude and immulated his flavor and his style. Peace and blessings to the 5 foot assassin and his legacy!
Cedrick Steele
March 29, 2016
All I have to say is God bless you and Thank you for your contribution and inspiration, may you forever rest in paradise.
Anthony Allen
March 29, 2016
God bless your soul
Favio Ortiz
March 29, 2016
Linden Blvd. stand up ! We'll miss you phife!! One and the tribe called quest ZEBRA ( Hollis N.Y.)
James Horton
March 28, 2016
To the Wife of Phife, and the Tribe Called Quest family the Most High has not forsaken you May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all with peace and mercy multiplied
James Lee
March 28, 2016
To my friend you will be miss I will think of your music may you walk in heaven my cry will always think of you love

Annie Jones AKA Sister (Southside Jamaica queens)8
Annie Jones
March 28, 2016
It is with profound sadness and grief that I write this condolence to the recently departed who had a profound effect on me musically and essentially who contributed to soundtrack of my youth. May Phife aka Malik Taylor rest in paradise and may God Bless his wife, mother, little bro and of course Tip, Shaheed, and Jarobi as I cannot imagine the grief and anguish you are feeling at this moment. His pain in NO longer and suffering is NOW absent. His spirit and musical catalog is IMMORTAL and I will always remember one of the greatest artist to ever live. Prayers and blessings to the most high (GOD) and hold on to the memories forever etched into the fabric of everyone who Phife has touched directy or in my case indirectly on a personal level. Be blessed!
Shawn Thomas
March 28, 2016
We have truly lost another rap mogul. Phife Dawg symbolized real hip hop with A Tribe Called Quest. One of the best that ever did it. He will def be missed #rip #phife
BENJAMIN WILLIAMS
March 28, 2016
Your memory will live forever. A true MC and contributor to the Hip-Hop culture.
Chuk Stake
March 28, 2016
My man forever thank you for the rhymes soldier.I salute you.
Lee Worley
March 28, 2016
Dear Family: So sorry for your loss of Dawg much too soon. May God give you the strength you need at this most difficult time. Deepest sympathy.
March 28, 2016
Leroi Brown
March 28, 2016
Phife....dawg a lyrical legend..I've been in love with tribe called quest since day ...a true foreal fan... I thought your style was dope and unique...you brought something different to the hip hop world.....I pray that those that love you will continue to embrace your music and keep in contact with your family...its hard loosing someone but when no more sufferings involved then its something you have to do...RIH Phife
keri butler
March 28, 2016
Rest in peace my son
Joan White
March 28, 2016
Phife you will be truely missed!!! Gone but never forgotten!! RIP Phife!! Gone to soon
Fatima
March 26, 2016
U made it home god.RIP
Albert Costner
March 28, 2016
Albert Costner
March 28, 2016
#S.I.P i always will love tribe call quest.
Shermaine commander
March 27, 2016
Peace and love to phife dog family the struggle goes on to make our people concious of self and health k.reed Chicago planet englewood
March 27, 2016
I used to listen to a Tribe Called Quest back in high school when my musical diet consisted of mostly reggae. They are one of those groups that transcended musical genres. Like how people who aren't into reggae will listen to Bob Marley. One Love! R.I.P Phife Dawg.
_-Nate D (Cottage Grove, WI)
nathan Handzel
March 27, 2016
Phife, you'll truly be missed A LEGEND IN HIP HOP and thanks for the wonderful songs and memories!!! ~GOD BLESS~
M C
March 27, 2016
I remember going to school in the 11th grade in 1990 rockin tribe. ATCQ FOREVER!
dj one
March 27, 2016
"Rip Phife" my brother, you will always be in our hearts.
Bryan Walker
March 26, 2016
Very sorry to hear that this extremely talented young man passed.
Jeffrey Goldman
March 26, 2016
RIP Phife Dawg and may the Love of GOD keep you. God bless your family and fan family. You will be miss my brotha. Thank you for your lyrical gifts. Fan for life ...ATCQ
Mr Mac Mc G
March 26, 2016
Rest in Beats Phife. A childhood legacy and classic hip hop mogul you will be missed thank you for the good times!
Wendy Lampkin
March 26, 2016
Thank you Phife....
March 26, 2016
Phife we grew together and shared some of the same struggles. Thank you for being a part of my life bro and keeping me inspired for all these years. You will be missed. My condolences to your family.
Jares Peoples
March 26, 2016
Beats, Rhymes, and Life is one of my favorite documentaries! Mesmerizing to say the least... Malik was truly a lyrical genius and his perspective and struggle in life were profound and resonated with many and as Nikki would say "you were the realest!" Condolences to his loving wife who showed no greater love than to give her kidney to her husband. Condolences to his Mother; Condolences to Jarobi who I know is just inconsolable and distraught; Condolences to the tribe and lastly to the fans.
Linda Daugherty
March 26, 2016
Heart is broken to know that Malik is not with us anymore. It's still good to know that he is only sleeping and will once again be with friends and family.

John 11: 11,12

"I neva 1/2 step cause I'm not a 1/2 steppa" - Phife Dawg
R J
March 26, 2016
May the God of Mercy comfort your family during their time of mourning. I remember seeing him on Television so many times and enjoying his music. He was a very talented young man and will be truly missed by his fans.
March 26, 2016
We lost a true pioneer to the music world phife you will always be missed .god was in his garden and said angels my garden is missing something ,an angel said father yes and only a pioneer can fix it and you was called..father savior only calls on his best ..we thank you for giving us so much understanding to hip hop you will truly be missed ....YOU ON POINT TIP " ALL THE TIME PHIFE ..Fly angel fly watch over your family. And to your family im so sorry for your loss he will truly be missed
Pamela Pristell'dumas
March 26, 2016
You made it gates of heaven you free at last... Rest forever with peace with God...
Devonia Earnest
March 26, 2016
My ❤ goes out to Phife's immediate family, friends and HIP HOP fam. You were an amazing lyricist. ATCQ represented NYC and Queens to the fullest. RIP.
ValenciaNYC
March 26, 2016
Rest in peace 5ft assassin. I grew up on your music big homie. My heart goes out to you and your family. Peace and love always!! Duane Bluntt from Buffalo NY
Duane Bluntt
March 26, 2016
Many are saddened by this loss and can still Cherish the memories and look forward to the promise at the 21st chapter of Revelation vs. 3, 4.
Christopher Antonie
Aurora, Ohio
March 25, 2016
To the Taylor Family
My condolences to all of you...Malik will live on through his music and also in your hearts.
Mary...Long Island
March 25, 2016
Yes u repped Linden Blvd Bruh... u put us on the map... u fought a great fight, now take ur rest... u will never b 4 gotten & ur music will last 4eva! ♡
Melanie Watson
March 25, 2016
Rest well Phife hip hop legend!!!!
Richard Jones
March 25, 2016
Wow 27 years ago my cousin was playing a track 'Butter' and I was hooked from there. Phife you never met me nor had any interaction but my life was changed that day and I thank you for your part in it. May God keep your family and bless you life!!!
Tommy Kelly
March 25, 2016
REST IN HIO HOP PARADISE MY BROTHER
LISSA ORTIZ-RAINEY
March 25, 2016
To the Taylor family...sending sincere condolences during this difficult time. Phife was a true solider, he will truly be be missed!! #ATCQ #5footer #resteasy
#ukickedit
Nikki Gallop
March 25, 2016
Thank you for sharing your skills with the world. You are and will be missed. ❤
Portia Gardner
March 25, 2016
Thank you giving your voice to the world of Hip-Hop. You will be truly missed. R.I.P. to one of Hip-Hop greatest
Chappel
March 25, 2016
RIP. ur loved nd ur missed, u have represented ST. ALBANS Queens well nd the Nation of tru hiphop....I will alwaz continue to listen nd enjoy my tribe called quest collection..ThankYou1
Sheila Carroll.
March 25, 2016
ATCQ was my all time favorite Hip-Hop group. Like the pioneer groups of Hip-Hop, The Cold Crush brothers, Flash and the Furious 5, et al. A Tribe Called Quest had left an indelible impression upon me. Phife's raspy, raw rhyme cadence vs Tip's smooth flow was the perfect 1-2 punch along with Shaheed and Tips infectious beats. Phife would just come on and murder a track. Often times I'd find myself rewinding his verses over and over again fiending for more. Phife, the 5 Foot Assasin will be SORELY missed. This loss HURTS. Positive Vibrations to his family, children, friends and Native Tongue family! REST IN POWER Malik bka Phife Dawg
Richard Horton
March 25, 2016
Offering condolences for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in your fondest memories, and in the wonderful hope of God's loving kindness (John 3:16) during times of distress.

Betty-NC
March 25, 2016
To the Taylor Family, I was introduced to phife at Linden SDA Church, my Godsister ( Tresha McMahon) had introduced me to him, ( I never forgot that day) but anyway phife, AKA ( Malik Taylor) was a loving and fun person and to me very friendly, he will be missed, hold on with the straight that God has given you
Dionne Ellison
March 25, 2016
I appreciate the opportunity to have been a part of PHIFFE DAWGS legacy as a fan. May God continue to watch over his family and friends. God called him home because God needed to hear some good music and great lyrics that has substance . 5 foot assassin. RIP my brother.
Davion Warnock Sr
March 25, 2016
I don't know how it is possible for someone to be so influential to another person and have never met them. The world has lost a legend
Mis condolencias.
Enrique Montoya
March 25, 2016
To the Taylor Family especially Phife's wife GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Know one can ever understand your loss, but one thing that you and the children must remember the historical impact the Phife had on the whole world. When anyone has done such in life, they have completed the mission that GOD has given them. Phife did his job with passion and realism as the key ingredient to touch the souls and mind of people from all religious and cultural heritage. He was a messenger for GOD.
Vincent Goodman-Sr
March 25, 2016
I still don't want to believe it. "From one TNT to another, you will be missed." To the surviving Taylor family members, please accept my sincere condolences.
Y Pierre
March 25, 2016
I am so hurt by this news, malik's music has meant so much to me. I give my full condolences to his family. thank you for sharing him with us. PEACE
ryan best
March 25, 2016
So very sorry to learn that Phife has left us. He will be sorely missed by fans and family everywhere. In difficult times like this we can reflect on Almighty Gods words at Psalms 46;1 which says that God will be our strength in times of distress. Please cherish the loving memories and recordings of Dawg
Ms.Tina
March 25, 2016
Phife Dawg, may your family and friends be Blessed with the love you shared with them and knowledge that God's grace has you covered. Be Blessed & Rest in Peace. ♡♡☆☆
Julia Cook
March 24, 2016
My deepest condolences to the beloved Taylor family. May you fine comfort, in knowing that by holding HIS hand each morning HE will give you comfort, strength and peace as HE revive your hearts that are now crushed. (Isaiah 33:2)
N S
March 24, 2016
You on point Phife?,all the time...RIP,may God rest your soul.
Jason Llamas
March 24, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family on this unfortunate tragedy. While mere words can't erase your pain, hopefully the wonderful memories of Phife will remain close to your hearts until God's promises at [John 6:40] are fulfilled.
L. Walters
March 24, 2016
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