Phife Dawg - described by many as a true pioneer of hip hop - has died aged 45, US reports have suggested.
He was one of the founding members of A Tribe Called Quest, who had their biggest hit in 1991 with the single, Can I Kick It?
Phife, whose real name was Malik Isaac Taylor, had been battling ill health after being diagnosed with diabetes in the 90s.
Musicians from around the world have been paying tribute.
Mark Ronson said Phife Dwag had made some of the most beloved hip hop ever., external
Public Enemy frontman Chuck D said that Phife Dawg was a "hip hop and rap word warrior" while Pusha T wrote "rest in peace, legend".
1Xtra DJ Trevor Nelson says hip hop had lost a hero, external
British rapper Wretch 32 told Newsbeat that he was heavily influenced by Phife Dawg when he was growing up.
"They (A Tribe Called Quest) started so many trends.
"As for Phife, listening to the music, listening to the verses I always admired his flow."
Wretch 32 described Phife Dawg as one of the pioneers of the Hip Hop music
Wretch added: "Nobody really wants to see people pass away that they grew up aspiring to be like.
"It just makes things real and - at the same time - surreal."
Alicia Keys' husband, music producer Swizz Beatz, wrote on Instagram "Thx for the Epic vibes. I'm sick rite now! #Tribe."
Swizz Beatz paid tribute to Phife Dawg via Instagram, external
A Tribe Called Quest have yet to make a statement or confirm the news of their bandmate's death.
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