Malik Taylor, known professionally as Phife Dawg, passed away today in his home in California due to complications from diabetes, which was diagnosed in 1990. He was 45 years old. Phife Dawg, who was born and raised in New York, was a founding member of the rap group A Tribe Called Quest along with Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White. Formed in 1985, A Tribe Called Quest had a successful career in hip-hop, releasing five albums from 1989 to 1998, receiving several Grammy nominations and a Grammy Award for their fourth and final album, The Love Movement. Phife Dawg also enjoyed a successful solo career, releasing two albums, Ventilation: Da LP in 2000 and his final album, Forever, in 2006. He frequently collaborated with other hip-hop artists, and was featured on songs by the Beastie Boys, J Dilla, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes, and many others. Phife Dawg was an icon in the hip-hop community, and will be remembered for his witty rhymes and passionate performance style. He leaves behind a devoted and loving family and a legacy of timeless music.