Rest in peace, Malik.

The legendary Roots is mourning the loss of a longtime member.

Philadelphia rapper and co-founder of The Roots Mailk B has passed away at the age of 47. No cause of death has been reported. On Wednesday (July 29), The Roots took to social media and confirmed the tragic news with a heartfelt message.

“It is with heavy hearts and tearful eyes that we regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and long time Roots member Malik Abdul Baset. May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam, His loving brotherhood and his innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time. We ask that you please respect his family and extended family in our time of mourning such a great loss.”

Malik B joined the group in 1993 and has appeared on countless albums including The Roots’ debut 1993 Organix followed by the subsequential LPs Do You Want More?!!!??! (1995), Illadelph Halflife (1996), and Things Fall Apart (1999). Although he left the group prior to Phrenology in 2002, he later reunited with the band on 2006’s Game Theory and 2008’s Rising Down. Malik B also released a series of solo projects including Street Assault in 2005, Psychological in 2006, and linked with Mr. Green in 2015 for the Unpredictable. Our condolences go out to Malik B’s family, friends and fellow fans.