Malik Abdul-Basit Smart (November 14, 1972 – July 29, 2020), better known by his stage name Malik B., was an American
rapper and singer who was a founding member of
the Roots
The Roots are an American hip hop band formed in 1987 by Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. The Roots serve as the house band on NBC's ''The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy F ...
.
[Davis, Kimberly (2003)]
The Roots Redefine Hip-Hop's Past
, '' Ebony'', June 2003, p. 162[Shapiro, Peter (2005) ''The Rough Guide to Hip-Hop'', Rough Guides, , p. 323] He appeared on the first four albums released by the Roots, before departing the group. He returned as a featured artist for some later albums. He released one EP, entitled ''Psychological'', on
MC Haak Blast's publishing company Future Blast Publishing. He also released two studio albums, ''Street Assault'' (2005) and ''
Unpredictable'' (2015) with
Mr. Green.
Career
On the Roots' seventh studio album, ''
Game Theory
Game theory is the study of mathematical models of strategic interactions among rational agents. Myerson, Roger B. (1991). ''Game Theory: Analysis of Conflict,'' Harvard University Press, p.&nbs1 Chapter-preview links, ppvii–xi It has appli ...
'', released in August 2006, Malik B returned to the group,
[Golianopoulos, Thomas (2006)]
The Roots ''Game Theory''
, '' Vibe'', September 2006, p. 211-2 appearing on three tracks, including the title "Game Theory" (track 3; listed as 116 on North American releases), "In the Music" (track 5; listed as 118 on North American releases), and "Here I Come" (track 8; listed as 121 on North American releases). The nature of his relationship with the group was indicated by the fact that his tracks were billed as "featuring Malik B". In the liner notes, the Roots thanked Malik B, adding the statement: "Welcome Home". Malik B was also featured on two tracks on the Roots' 2008 album ''
Rising Down'', "I Can't Help It" and "Lost Desire".
Malik B, along with the rest of the Roots, was featured on
MC Solaar's 1994 album ''
Prose Combat
''Prose Combat'' is the second studio album by French rapper MC Solaar, released in 1994 by Cohiba Records. Its success propelled him to international fame.
An outtake from the album sessions was "Comme dans un film" (falsely known as "John Woo" ...
''.
Malik B's last work before his death included a collaboration album with New York-based producer
Mr. Green, and being a featured member of the Philadelphia rap collective Beard Gang which includes fellow Philadelphia artist
Freeway.
Death
Malik B died on July 29, 2020, at the age of 47. The cause of death was not released.
Discography
Albums
*''Street Assault'' (2005), F.D.M.E.
*''
Unpredictable'' (with
Mr. Green, 2015),
Enemy Soil
EPs
*''Psychological EP'' (2006), F.D.M.E.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Malik B
2020 deaths
East Coast hip hop musicians
Rappers from Philadelphia
Place of death missing
The Roots members
1972 births
21st-century American rappers
African-American male rappers
21st-century African-American musicians