A Tribe Called Quest founding member Phife Dawg has died. The rapper, real name Malik Taylor, was 45.
His family released a statement (see below) stating that Taylor died due to complications from diabetes. Taylor battled Type 1 diabetes for a long time, even undergoing a kidney transplant in 2008. The donor was his wife.
Taylor, a self-described sugar addict, said in an interview last year that he was on the list for another kidney transplant.
While the emcee's passing appears to have been first broken by friends on Twitter, Rolling Stone was able to confirm the news.
A Tribe Called Quest exploded on the hip-hop scene with 1991s "The Low End Theory," the group's second album. It came a year after "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm," which was critically received, but never crossed over to the mainstream. The guys release three more albums in the '90s.
In 2011, actor Michael Rapaport directed a documentary about the crew, titled "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest."
Tribe's Q-Tip enjoyed the most solo success of the group, which also included DJ/producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad. For "Instinctive Travels," Tribe had a fourth emcee, Jarobi White. White rejoined the crew for a 2006 reunion.
Phife, a major sports fan who often appeared on ESPN, was affectionately referred to as the "Five Foot Assassin," due to his short stature.

Statement from Phife's family:

We regret to share the news that on Tuesday March 22nd, 2016, Malik has passed away due to complications resulting from diabetes.

Malik was our loving husband, father, brother and friend. We love him dearly. How he impacted all our lives will never be forgotten. His love for music and sports was only surpassed by his love of God and family."

Dion Liverpool, his manager adds, "While I mourn the loss of my best friend and brother, I also will celebrate his incredible life and contribution to many people's ears across the world. Even with all his success, I have never met a person as humble as he. He taught me that maintaining a positive attitude and outlook can conquer anything. Now my brother is resting in greatness. I'm honored to have crossed paths with him. Riddim Kidz 4eva."

The family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.