Who Is Phife Dawg? Age, Biography and Wiki
Phife Dawg, whose real name was Malik I. Taylor, was an influential figure in the hip-hop scene, particularly as a member of the legendary group A Tribe Called Quest. Born on November 20, 1970, he became a prominent voice in the East Coast hip-hop movement during the 1990s. Phife's unique lyricism and distinctive flow contributed to the group's success, helping to shape the genre for future generations. Unfortunately, he passed away on March 22, 2016, but his impact on music continues to resonate.
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 20, 1970 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Queens, New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Phife Dawg's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At the time of his passing, Phife Dawg stood approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and weighed around 150 pounds (68 kg). His height and build complemented his energetic stage presence, contributing to his overall charisma as a performer. Specific body measurements are not widely documented, as Phife's legacy is more focused on his artistry rather than physical attributes.
Phife Dawg formed A Tribe Called Quest, then simply named Quest, with Q-Tip and DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad in 1985; the group was later expanded with the addition of Jarobi White. A Tribe Called Quest were closely associated with fellow hip-hop acts De La Soul and Jungle Brothers, with the groups collectively known as the Native Tongues.
A Tribe Called Quest was initially offered a demo deal by Geffen Records in 1989, but signed to Jive Records to release its 1990 début People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Phife Dawg was married to his longtime partner, Deisha Taylor, who supported him throughout his career and during his health struggles. The couple shared a profound bond, and Deisha played an essential role in his life. Although he did not publicly disclose information regarding his dating history prior to marriage, those close to him often described him as a loving husband and family man, committed to his loved ones. Following his death, Deisha Taylor has been vocal about preserving Phife's legacy and ensuring that his contributions to music are never forgotten.
His mother settled in the St. Albans neighborhood of Queens when she was 13 years old, and Phife Dawg was raised in the same neighborhood. Born prematurely, his twin brother Mikal died shortly after birth. He was a cousin of writer Zinzi Clemmons.
Net Worth and Salary
Despite his untimely demise, Phife Dawg left behind a legacy that certainly contributed to his net worth. At the time of his passing, his estimated net worth was around $3 million. His earnings primarily came from his music career, including album sales, touring, and royalties from his work with A Tribe Called Quest. In the years following his death, posthumous releases and the continued popularity of his music have likely boosted his legacy's value.
Career, Business and Investments
Phife Dawg's career took off in the late 1980s with the formation of A Tribe Called Quest. The group became a pivotal element in alternative hip-hop, known for their distinct sound that combined jazz influences with conscious lyrics. They released several critically acclaimed albums, including People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, Low End Theory, and Midnight Marauders.
In addition to his work with the group, Phife released solo material and collaborated with various artists, showcasing his versatility. After his passing, tributes and documentaries, such as The Five Foot Assassin, have elevated his prominence and showcased his contributions to the music industry.
Social Network
Phife Dawg's presence on social media is managed by his estate and fan accounts, where his legacy continues to thrive. Fans can find tributes, music releases, and discussions about his contributions across platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. The official A Tribe Called Quest social media accounts also celebrate his legacy and engage with his loyal fanbase.
Education
Phife Dawg attended the prestigious New York School for the Visual Arts before focusing on his music career. His background in the arts influenced his lyrics and conceptual approach to music, helping him to create profound connections with his audience. Education was important to him, and he valued creativity and expression in all forms.
He first met his friend Q-Tip at the age of two. At nine years old, Phife Dawg suggested that they should rap, after hearing "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang for the first time. He attended Pine Forge Academy, a Seventh-day Adventist boarding school near Philadelphia, for his freshman year of high school, later transferring to Springfield Gardens High School in Queens.
