Rap icon Phife Dawg dies age 45

Photo: Phife Dawg Credit: Truetoo.co

The hip hop world is in mourning today with the news that the co-founder of one of the scene's most important groups has died at the age of 45. Phife Dawg, born Malik Isaac Taylor, joined high school classmates Q Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammed back in 1985 to form A Tribe Called Quest, who went on to become one of rap music's most influential and revered outfits.

Also called the five foot assassin for his diminutive stature, Phife Dawg's raspy, acerbic social commentary laced with comic moments, witty punchlines and self confidence has earmarked him as one of his generations most distinctive voices. He had suffered with diabetes for a number of years, although the cause of his death is as yet undisclosed.

As expected, condolences and well wishes have been pouring out across Twitter, with everyone from Chuck D to Steve Aoki feeling the loss of one of hip hop's greatest. Relive one of our favourite ATCQ tracks 'Award Tour' above.

More like this? Try our Five of the Best: A Tribe Called Quest