Gift of Gab, one half of the Bay Area duo Blackalicious, has died of natural causes at 50 years old. The underground rapper, born Timothy Jerome Parker, has passed away Friday, June 18, as announced by hip-hop collective Quannum.

“Tim peacefully departed this earth to be with our ancestors on Friday, June 18, 2021,” Quannum said in a statement. 

The rapper was known for his witty wordplay and slick rhyme patterns. He formed Blackilicous with producer and DJ Chief Xcel in 1992. The duo would go on to drop their debut album Melodica in 1994. Blackalicious would have a long career releasing their final album Imani Vol. 1, in 2016. “Our brother was an MC’s MC who dedicated his life to his craft. One of the greatest to ever do it,” Chief Xcel said in a statement. 

A representative for Blackalicious confirmed that Parker died of natural causes. In his later years, he received dialysis treatment multiple times a week until receiving a kidney transplant in January 2020. 

Gift of Gab will be remembered as an impeccable wordsmith and veteran of the Bay Area underground. His friends and family wish for fans to respect their privacy and recognize the legacy of the classic artist. 

The rapper is survived by two brothers, one sister, many nieces and nephews, countless friends, and fans across the globe. "We ask that the family’s privacy is respected as we mourn the tremendous loss of our dear brother," Quannum said via statement.