Malik B death: American rapper and The Roots member dies aged 47

Rapper Malik B, a longtime member of The Roots, has died aged 47.

The band announced the news on Wednesday in an Instagram post.

“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,” the group wrote.

“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.”

A cause of death wasn’t immediately announced.

Malik B, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was added to The Roots in the Nineties, joining founding members Questlove and Black Thought.

During his tenure, The Roots released four albums: Organix, Do You Want More?!!!??!, Illadelph Halflife and Things Fall Apart (which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album).

Malik B left the band in 1999 to pursue a solo career.

He released the album Street Assault in 2005, and an EP titled Psychological EP in 2006.

The album Unpredictable, the result of a collaboration with Mr Green, followed in 2015.

Malik B was also featured on The Roots albums Game Theory (2006) and Rising Down (2008).

Many on social media shared tributes to Malik B after the news of his death broke on Tuesday, highlighting the significance of his work and legacy.