(CNN) - Malik Abdul Basit, a rapper, singer and founding member of The Roots, died, according to a statement posted on the group's verified Twitter account. He was 47 years old.
"We regret to inform you of the death of our beloved brother and long-time Roots member, Malik Abdul Basit," the statement read. “May he be remembered for his dedication to Islam and innovation as one of the most talented MCs of all time. We ask that you respect your family in this time of grief. ”
A publicist for the group confirmed the news.
View this post on Instagram
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 Basit. 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.
A post shared by The Roots (@theroots) on Jul 29, 2020 at 12:04 pm PDT
No cause of death was reported.
Basit, whose stage name was Malik B., was part of the Philadelphia-based group from its inception until around 1999, when he left amid the group tensions detailed in the song "Water" from The Roots album "Phrenology." Written by Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter, the song talks about Basit's struggles with addiction.
Basit continued to produce solo material and, several years after his departure from the group, he also appeared on various tracks on The Roots albums.