Phife Dawg Passed Away!

Phife Dawg passed away after complications from diabetes.

A hip-hop legend passed away. The Associated Press reports that Phife Dawg of the rap group A Tribe Called Quest had passed away at the age of 45 today.

He was battling diabetes. He's been going through kidney treatment for most of his life.

Born Malik Isaac Taylor, the rapper grew up in Queens with fellow rappers, Q-Tip, Jabori and their producer Ali.

Phife stood at 5'3'' and was known by many as the Five Foot Assassin. He collaborate with the likes of De La Soul, the Jungle Brothers, the Native Tongues and Leaders of the New School.

Phife was known for his rhyming skills and his status as what the magazine calls the "high-pitched, gruff vocal counterpoint to [bandmate] Q-Tip's smooth, mellow flow." Although an official cause of death has yet to be announced, the magazine notes that Phife had suffered from various health issues, including diabetes that spurred a 2008 kidney transplant. "It's really a sickness," Phife said in an interview for an ATCQ rap documentary by actor/director Michael Rapaport. "Like straight-up drugs. I'm just addicted to sugar."

He also released one solo album, Ventilation: Da LP, in 2000 and had been working on a new album, Give Thanks, due out this year.

Ali, Phife and Q-Tip are A Tribe Called Quest.

A Tribe Called Quest released five albums before disbanding. They had a minor fallout over management and the label Jive Records. Q-Tip and Phife hadn't spoke in eight years.

The rap group reunited in 2004 when Wu-Tang Clan's Ol' Dirty Bastard passed away. They appeared together for the tribute to the troubled rapper.

The group went on tour for a brief moment and it sold out shows. The last time the rap group reunited was their recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The group performed "Can I Kick It?" which was their first TV performance in 15 years.

E! Online has compiled social media tributes to the late rapper from fans, friends, and industry icons, including hip-hop magnate Russell Simmons, who tweeted, "Damn. #RIPPhife one of the greatest to bless the mic," and Public Enemy rapper Chuck D, who posted, "Rest In Beats PHIFE ATCQ Forever."

World News Today send our condolences to the family of Phfie Dawg. Rest in peace homie!