A Tribe Called Quest have released a statement after the death of their former member,Phife Dawg.
Our hearts are heavy.
It was no secret about his health and his fight.
Credit: Al Pereira/Getty Images
But the fight for his joy and happiness gave him everything he needed.
Phife Dawg, born Malik Isaac Taylor, died Wednesday due to complications resulting from throw in 1 diabetes.
He was 45 years old.
The late emcee appeared on all five of the groups studio albums.
The group initially broke up in 1998 after the release ofThe Love Movement.
They reunited a handful of times throughout the 2000s to play concerts.
This too is part of his joy and means a lot to him, the groups statement continued.
His family is overwhelmed by the support, well wishes and are thankful.
His music and what hes contributed is seismic and hard to measure.
Hes affected us as much as hes affected all of you.
Were inspired by his daily joy and courage.
He wasnt in pain.
He was happy.We take comfort in knowing he will be beside his grandmother.
