Phife Dawg, born Malik I. Taylor on November 20, 1970, was an influential American rapper and a founding member of the hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest. Known for his distinctive voice and clever lyrics, he contributed significantly to the group's success in the 1990s with albums like People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm and The Low End Theory. Phife Dawg's work often explored themes of identity, culture, and social issues. He was celebrated for his unique style and ability to blend humor with serious topics. Sadly, he passed away on March 22, 2016, but his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.