'We lost one of the pioneers of hip hop': Kendrick Lamar pays emotional tribute to A Tribe Called Quest founder Phife Dawg at Sydney concert after his death aged 45

By Jennifer Smith For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 18:54 EST, 23 March 2016 | Updated: 21:41 EST, 23 March 2016

Kendrick Lamar halted his Sydney show on Wednesday to lead an impassioned tribute to Phife Dawg, the late founder of A Tribe Called Quest A Tribute, after his sudden death. 

Describing him as a 'pioneer of hip hop', the Grammy-winning artist thanked the star for paving the way for musicians of his generation to the approval of the 18,000 strong arena.

Phife Dawg, whose real name was Malik Taylor, died on Tuesday aged 45 after a lengthy battle with diabetes. 

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Tribute: Kendrick Lamar halted his Sydney concert on Wednesday to mark the death of A Tribe Called Quest founder Phife Dawg 

Tribute: Kendrick Lamar halted his Sydney concert on Wednesday to mark the death of A Tribe Called Quest founder Phife Dawg 

'Today we lost one of the pioneers of hip hop by the name of Phife Dawg,' Kendrick told the crowd at Sydney's All Phones Arena on Wednesday.  

'We'll give it up for him for allowing me to do what I'm doing on this stage, right here, right now, today,' he continued. 

The artist then launched a chant of the rapper's name which led into a rousing rendition of his hit We Gon' Be Alright. 

Earlier in the evening he described his affection for Australia, thanking fans for supporting him at a previous concert years ago where just 700 attended. 

Honoured: Phife Dawg died on Tuesday at the age of 45 after a lengthy battle with diabetes. He is understood to have died of complications arisen from the illness 

Honoured: Phife Dawg died on Tuesday at the age of 45 after a lengthy battle with diabetes. He is understood to have died of complications arisen from the illness 

The 28-year-old also promised fans the 'livest show of their lives', taking to the stage in jeans and a plaid shirt with a small band accompanying him.  

Phife Dawg's death was announced on Tuesday by his bereaved family who said in a statement: 'Malik was our loving husband, father, brother and friend. We love him dearly. 

'How he impacted all our lives will never be forgotten. His love for music and sports was only surpassed by his love of God and family.' 

The 45-year-old suffered type 1 diabetes and underwent a kidney transplant in 2008. It is understood he died as a result of complications relating to the illness. 

Enjoying himself: Kendrick was seen enjoying a walk at Bondi Beach with his entourage earlier in the day

Enjoying himself: Kendrick was seen enjoying a walk at Bondi Beach with his entourage earlier in the day

Busy: The rapper will play at Byron Bay's Bluesfest festival on Thursday a day after his Sydney show 

Busy: The rapper will play at Byron Bay's Bluesfest festival on Thursday a day after his Sydney show 

Among stars who joined Kendrick in tributes to him on Wednesday was comedian Chris Rock who shared an Instagram post of his lyrics.

The late rapper co-founded A Tribe Called Quest with fellow musicians Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad in 1985. 

The band is best known for its anthemic song Can I Kick It. 

Star: The rapper formed legendary hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest (seen above in 2007) in 1985

Star: The rapper formed legendary hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest (seen above in 2007) in 1985

 

 

 

 

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