it is hard to believe it has been a year since he left us.

RIP to the Five Foot Assassin

http://www.okayplayer.com/news/respect-the-trini-gladiator-15-stories-to-celebrate-phife-dawgs-legacy.html

Phife Dawg was always an above-average MC with all the traits that make one shine in the ultra-competitive sport known as hip-hop: charisma, wittiness, style and substance.

Damn, we miss you, brother.

March 22, 2017 marks the first year anniversary passing of one of the most talented and influential rappers to ever grab a microphone. Born Malik Taylor, the 45-year-old, five-foot lyrical assassin, died from complications relating to diabetes. As one-fourth of the equally legendary group, A Tribe Called Quest, Phife, along with Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White influenced a host of hip-hop figures such as André 3000, Kanye West and new stars such as Kaytranada and Maségo.

With his down-to-earth personality, Phife rhymes were filled with realness and knowledge. An unbridled passion for culture, consciousness and cool — Phife directly impacted the creative direction of hip-hop that continues to this day. From classic bars on songs such as “Scenario,” “Bonita Applebum” or “Black Spasmodic” from We Got It from Here… Thank You For Your Service — Phife’s straight-to-the-point, always-with-it delivery complimented the Abstract’s more casual, frenetic flow.

As we pour out our best for the Trini Gladiator, anti-hesitator, please relive these stories from friends (Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip), fans (“Dear Tribe”) and bump choice cuts directly from Phife’s discography.



*CROCKER*

word booty.

HSUBAKCITS




http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r9/chowyunskinny/Gold%20Chef/iron_chef.jpg

one of my favorite Phife solo cuts, plus the beat is so lovely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt5oJ_GpKs4


*CROCKER*

word booty.

HSUBAKCITS




http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r9/chowyunskinny/Gold%20Chef/iron_chef.jpg

Hope he's living in peace where he is.

Keep it rollin'
https://youtu.be/Q92GBRxQdbw

Anyways, RIP Phife. Hip Hop will never the same again without you.

but with no replies?
Regardless, RIP Phife

I had the opportunity to briefly tell him how much his music has meant at an event in Oakland a few years back. He generously signed my copy of Low End Theory.