Phife Dawg’s ‘Forever’ Legacy
The legendary A Tribe Called Quest rapper’s posthumous album dropped on the sixth anniversary of his death.
(Rodrigo Vaz/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
Phife Dawg’s estate recently released his posthumous album “Forever.”
The album arrived on the sixth anniversary of the late rapper’s passing. He died at 45 due to complications with diabetes.
Born Malik Izaak Taylor, Phife Dawg earned a top spot in hip-hop’s pantheon due to his contributions as a member of the immortal rap group, A Tribe Called Quest.
“Forever” celebrates the late rapper’s second studio album — the posthumous project is executive produced by DJ Rasta Root and features familiar faces such as A Tribe Called Quest, Rapsody, and even contributions from Phife Dawg’s mother.
The album features previously released songs “Nutshell, Pt. 2” featuring other hip-hop heavyweights Busta Rhymes and Redman. The estate released “French Kiss Deux” featuring Illa J, quickly following up with a remix featuring Redman aptly titled “French Kiss Trois.”
Phife Dawg’s estate announced the album on Instagram with the caption “Happy Birthday, Phifey. Thank you all for your patience. We had to take our time with this one. ‘Forever’, the album, drops 3.22.2022 on Smokin Needles Records/@awal Executive Produced by @djrastaroot on behalf of the family and The Estate of Malik I. Taylor.” on the rapper’s 51st birthday last year.
After A Tribe Called Quest parted ways in 1998, Phife Dawg released his first independent single “Bend Ova” in 1999 before his debut album “Ventilation: Da LP.” Phife Dawg dropped a handful of singles and participated in A Tribe Called Quest reunions before his passing.
“Forever” is available everywhere via Smokin’ Needles Records and AWAL.